Infertility is an issue that millions of people deal with. In fact, it’s estimated that about 48.5 million couples struggle with infertility globally. Are you one of the many who have trouble conceiving without assistance? There are several treatments designed to increase fertility. Of these treatments, there is hormone therapy, ovulation stimulation, at-home insemination and thyroid treatment. Many of these infertility treatments are administered via medicine.
Despite the numerous medications available to couples with infertility problems, the type of medication that you may need can depend on what exactly is causing infertility. It’s important to factor in which partner is likely to be the infertile one, what underlying health conditions they may have, family history and lifestyle.
What are some of the best infertility medications for women?
Again, the type of medication that you may be prescribed to address your infertility can depend on what the root of your infertility is. You may need medications that address any issues in other areas of your body, like thyroid problems, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), diabetes or obesity. These types of medications may in turn benefit fertility. However, when the cause of infertility isn’t found to be from any specific conditions, this is referred to as unexplained infertility. There are medications that are designed to boost fertility in other ways. For example:
- Clomiphene — Clomiphene is commonly used for unexplained infertility. It’s one of the most used infertility drugs on the market. For women, it works by making the body believe that estrogen levels are low. From there, the body will release a hormone that promotes increased estrogen levels, egg maturation and eventually ovulation. This drug is approved by the FDA to treat infertility.
- Letrozole — Letrozole is another commonly used infertility drug. This drug is not FDA approved for infertility treatment but is approved for breast cancer treatment. However, it’s frequently used off-label to help women who need extra assistance with ovulation. The end result of letrozole is similar to clomiphene, but the way the result is achieved slightly differs. Letrozole blocks the proteins that turn androgens into estrogen, creating low enough estrogen levels that it spurs the body to start estrogen production. This production can then help the body stimulate ovulation and boost fertility.
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) hormone — This is a type of hormone that can be prescribed to stimulate the body to produce and mature eggs inside the ovaries to then be released during ovulation. HCG is a hormone that acts very similar to the hormone that would typically be used to carry out this process, called luteinizing hormone (LH).
What are some of the best infertility medications for men?
Interestingly enough, two out of those three previously mentioned medications for infertile women can be used to treat infertility in men too. Take a look below at how these drugs can improve fertility in men:
- Clomiphene — Clomiphene, when given to men, can be used to treat low sperm and testosterone levels. It increases hormone production in the pituitary gland, which boosts sperm and testosterone in the testes. Increased sperm count and testosterone levels can increase male fertility. This drug is FDA approved for treating female infertility but is frequently used off-label to treat men.
- Anastrozole — Anastrozole is another drug that was approved by the FDA for treating women. It was intended for treating breast cancer but can be used off-label to treat infertility in men. Anastrozole blocks the hormone that converts testosterone into estradiol. In turn, it increases testosterone levels, which can boost male fertility.
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) hormone — HCG can be used to treat women and men. For men, it functions to produce testosterone and improve sperm count by stimulating the testes. This form of hormone therapy is generally one of the least preferred because it involves injections several times a week.
Why choose Fertility Cloud?
At Fertility Cloud, we value shared experiences. We want to help you navigate your struggles and celebrate your victories. Our team of experienced medical providers is dedicated to providing you with compassionate and professional care. Through every step of the way, we’ll do our very best to ensure your comfort and guide you through the fertility process. We know that infertility can cause uncertainty. That’s why we’re committed to servicing each of our clients with empathy.
At Fertility Cloud, everything is done remotely, from your communication with your doctor to your fertility tests. Our appointments are conducted virtually, via live videoconferencing. All that’s required of you is either a computer, smartphone or tablet to join the call. The typical appointment takes around 30 minutes. You’ll undergo an initial consultation, and subsequent treatment will be monitored for at least three months. We’re confident we can provide you with the answers you’re looking for regarding your reproductive health and fertility options.
We understand that finding convenient, high-quality medical care can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve selected some of the best reproductive endocrinology specialists out there to provide you with easily accessible digital services. Each one of our doctors is board-certified and state licensed.
We understand that starting medications for infertility can be overwhelming. If you have any questions about a medication you’ve been recommended for a hormone imbalance, we welcome any and all concerns. We’re here to work with you and guide you through the process, from start to finish.
Contact our team by phone today for more information or book an initial appointment online with a fertility specialist.