Ovarian stimulating drugs: types, importance, and how to use

Ovarian stimulatory and stimulating medications are essential components in infertility and fertility treatments. These medications are used to stimulate ovulation in women who have ovulation issues, thereby increasing the chances of pregnancy. In this article, we will discuss the types of these medications, their importance, how to use them, and the potential side effects.

First: Types of Ovarian Stimulatory Medications

Clomiphene Citrate

• Brand Names: Clomid, Serophene.
• Mechanism: Stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete more FSH and LH hormones, leading to follicle growth in the ovaries and egg release.
• Dosage: Typically taken at a dose between 50 to 150 mg per day for five days at the beginning of the menstrual cycle.

Menotropins

• Brand Names: Humegon, Repronex, Menopur.
• Mechanism: Contains a mix of FSH and LH hormones used to stimulate follicle growth.
• Dosage: Injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly as directed by a physician.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

• Brand Names: Fostimon, Gonal-f.
• Mechanism: Directly stimulates follicle growth in the ovary without LH intervention.
• Dosage: Usually injected under the skin under medical supervision.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

• Brand Names: Profasi, Novarel.
• Mechanism: Used to stimulate egg release after follicle maturation.
• Dosage: Injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly under medical supervision after confirming follicle maturation.

GnRH Agonists/Antagonists

• Brand Names: Lupron, Suprellin, Synarel.
• Mechanism: Used to control the timing of ovulation and prevent early ovulation to ensure optimal follicle maturity.
• Dosage: Administered via injection or nasal spray.

Second: Importance and Procedures

Increasing Pregnancy Chances

• Used to stimulate ovulation in women experiencing delayed or absent natural ovulation.
• Considered part of the primary treatment for ovulation-related pregnancy delays.

Artificial Insemination and IVF

• Used to stimulate and prepare follicles for artificial insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF).
• Aim to increase the number of available eggs for fertilization, thus enhancing the success rate.

Stimulating and Preparing Follicles

• Ensures follicle maturation and stimulates timely egg release to boost fertilization chances.

Third: How to Use

Consulting a Physician

• Necessary to consult a doctor before starting any stimulatory medication to determine the suitable type and dosage.
• Treatment plans are developed based on the patient’s health, age, and medical history.

Continuous Monitoring

• Ovaries are monitored using ultrasound to track follicle growth.
• Blood tests may also be conducted to monitor hormone levels.

Determining Correct Dosage

• Dosage is determined based on the ovarian response to the treatment.
• Dosage adjustments may be made over time to enhance pregnancy chances and minimize complications.

Fourth: Potential Side Effects

General Side Effects

• Nausea and vomiting: Women may experience these after taking medications.
• Headache: May range from mild to moderate.
• Mood changes: Medications may cause mood or emotional changes.
• Breast swelling and pain: Swelling and pain in the breasts may occur.

Serious Complications

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

• Medications may cause this syndrome, characterized by enlarged ovaries and fluid accumulation in the body.
• Symptoms include abdominal bloating, severe pain, and rapid weight gain.

Multiple Pregnancies

• Increased risk of twins or more with certain stimulatory medications.
• Multiple pregnancies are associated with health complications for both mother and children, needing careful monitoring.

Blood Clots

• Rarely, medications may increase the risk of blood clots, requiring additional monitoring.

Fifth: Special Considerations

• Comprehensive Medical Examination: Treatment requires a thorough assessment of the patient’s health, including hormone levels and ultrasound tests.
• Regular Monitoring: Requires close monitoring through medical tests to ensure normal follicle growth and avoid complications.
• Continuous Communication with Doctor: Essential to maintain ongoing communication with the doctor during the treatment to report any unusual symptoms or concerns.
• Optimal Timing for Intercourse or Artificial Insemination: It is important to determine the optimal timing for intercourse or artificial insemination with the doctor to ensure the highest chances of fertilization.

Ovarian stimulatory and stimulating medications are effective tools for treating infertility issues resulting from weak or absent ovulation. Despite their effectiveness, they should be used under careful medical supervision to avoid potential side effects and complications. Continuous communication with the medical team is essential to ensure treatment success in line with each woman’s unique health condition.