IVF Medications

There are a number of different types of medications that may be used to increase the number of eggs which develop to maturity in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). The specific medications, the dose of those medications, the times at which they are administered, and the duration of the treatment vary markedly from patient to patient and are based on their individual needs.

Lupron (GnRH agonist)

An agonist that inhibits your pituitary's production of FSH and LH. This medication is taken as an injection just beneath the skin. This allows some of the other medications to provide a very even and balanced stimulation to the developing follicles. Lupron will allow patients to produce greater numbers of higher quality eggs during a given treatment cycle. Additionally, it prevents a spontaneous midcycle hormonal surge which may result in cycle cancellation.

Gonal F, Follistim, or Fertinex (gonadotropins)

These are highly purified preparations of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) which are taken as subcutaneous injections. The FSH provides the critical stimulation to the follicles containing the eggs that are developing during the stimulation phase of the cycle.

Repronex

A highly purfiied preparation of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and lutenizing hormone (LH) which is taken as a subcutaneous injection. It is similar to Gonal F, Follistim and Fertinex but it also contains some LH. This may allow some (but not all) patients to respond somewhat faster and produce somewhat higher estrogen levels.

Pregnyl or Profasi (hCG)

A highly purified preparation of human chorionic gonadotropin which is taken as an intramuscular injection. This medication is used as a substitute for the midcycle hormonal surge which induces the final maturational changes in the eggs and prepares them for retrieval. NOTE: After receiving this medication you will have a positive pregnancy test for the following 10-12 days (whether you are pregnant or not). Do not be misled by the results of a home pregnancy test!

Doxycycline

A tetracycline derivative given to the male partner during the wife's stimulation cycle. This antibiotic is given orally and is used to reduce the low levels of bacteria that may be found in the semen (even in men without symptoms or any other evidence of infection) and which may compromise the performance of the sperm during an IVF cycle. It is also given to the female partner to reduce the risk of infection following aspiration of the follicles at the time of egg retrieval

Medrol

A steroid which is sometimes given to transiently suppresses immune function during the interval following retrieval and transfer up to the time of implantation.

Progesterone

Natural progesterone normally taken as a daily intramuscular injection beginning 2 days following egg retrieval and continues until the placenta is making adequate amounts of progesterone. (Progesterone injections will be discontinued following your serum pregnancy test if it is negative). Depending on the protocol, progesterone can also be given in the form a vaginal gel (Crinone) or suppositories or pills (Prometrium) given vaginally.