in this issue
Sonja Kristiansen, MD
Medical Director & co-founder
of
the
Infertility Center
of Houston, Dr. Kristiansen is double board certified in
Reproductive
Endocrinology and Obstetrics & Gynecology and
specializes in surgical and IVF procedures.
She has
advanced training in hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, and
microtubal reconstruction. She also works with
female endocrine abnormalities relating to
menstrual and reproductive development.
Quick Links...
|
|
Just the thought of using injectable fertility medications
is enough to cause some people to rethink their family-
building efforts. Whether their hesitance is from fear of
needles or concerns about side effects, patients should
know that reproductive experts and the pharmaceutical
industry have come up with ways to make these
powerfully effective drugs more convenient and safer.
One of the first steps in many patients' treatment is
the use of medications in conjunction with timed
intercourse and/or intrauterine insemination (IUI).
|
Injectable Fertility Drugs: How they work
There are several different types and brands of
injectable fertility drugs. The primary goal for their use
is to promote ovulation of several high-quality egg cells
per treatment cycle (that is, the cycle in which the
drugs are being used.) To accomplish this, the drugs
work by acting like the body's naturally occurring
hormones. Fertility medications can be grouped
according to the exact manner in which they promote
ovulation:
- Follistim, Follistim, and Bravelle enhance the amount
of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH).
- Repronex enhances the FSH and luteinizing hormone
(LH).
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) prompts the
release of a matured egg.
- GnRH agonists inhibit action by gonadotropin-
releasing hormone (GnRH).
- GnRH antagonists block release of LH before
ovulation.
- Progesterone helps to maintain a conceived
pregnancy.
Different medications are administered at different
stages of a woman's cycle. Some patients are able to
inject themselves, either subcutaneously (just under
the skin) or intra-muscularly. Others choose to have a
spouse or friend perform the injections. Some
medications require a bit of mixing and measuring by
the patient, while some are now available in pre-mixed
form, already loaded into a syringe. A few fertility drugs
are even available in nasal spray form.
|
|
Who Should Use Them
Generally, when a woman's body is hormonally
imbalanced, injectable fertility medications can be of
benefit. Some of the many conditions that might result
in infertility-causing hormonal imbalance are polycystic
ovarian syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disease, insulin
resistance, and eating or exercise disorders. Injectables
are also prescribed for women who have failed to
ovulate on Clomid. Another reason for using injectable
meds is in order to create more than one good quality
egg to optimize chances for conception.
I work with each patient and their body's needs to
determine which medication and how much will be the
most efficient in helping them conceive.
|
|
When to Stop Using Them
Patients using medication are monitored very closely for
any signs of the few possible side effects. Unwanted
effects of injectable fertility drugs may include allergic
reaction, over-stimulation of the ovaries, and multiple
pregnancy. In most cases, such effects can be halted
with the immediate discontinuance of the medication,
and the patient can continue with treatment in later
cycles. Couples should consider moving on to in-vitro
fertilization (IVF) if they have not conceived after 3 to
4 attempts with the use of injectable fertility drugs and
intercourse or inseminations.
Every patient is different, and I advise them
accordingly. Each individual and couple must decide
what is best for them.
|
|
In Closing
As always, my staff and I welcome your questions.
Concerns about fertility medications and treatment are
understandable. We will respond to your needs readily
and with expertise.
Sincerely,
Sonja B. Kristiansen, MD
|
|
