Fertility

A typical IVF process consists of the following steps: 

1. Repression of the natural hormonal cycle 
2. Stimulation of egg production 
3. Monitoring the progress 
4. Collection of the eggs 
5. Insemination of the eggs 
6. Re-implantation of the embryo 

Below is an overview of common medications used to address reduced fertility. 

• Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG): This hormone stimulates ovulation and the production of oestrogen in women, while in men, it boosts testosterone production for sperm formation. Examples include Pregnyl, Ovitrelle, Profasi, and Novarel. 
• GnRH analogues: These hormones regulate ovulation by inhibiting the production of female hormones, allowing better control. There are two types: agonists, such as Suprecur (busereline) and Prostap (leuproreline), and antagonists like Cetrotide (cetrorelix) and Orgalutran (ganirelix). 
• Clomiphene: This medication stimulates the release of hormones that aid in egg maturation and ovulation. Clomid is an example. 
• Ethinylestradiol: It acts like oestradiol, making the cervical mucus more accessible to sperm. 
• Gonadotrophins (FSH and LH): These hormones are essential in the natural cycle. FSH encourages follicle growth, while LH triggers egg maturation and ovulation. Examples include Gonal-F, Menopur, Puregon, and Follistim. 
• Doxycycline: An antibiotic used during the woman’s IVF cycle to reduce bacterial levels in the man’s sperm, which can affect quality. 
• Progesterone preparations: Progesterone enhances the chances of pregnancy after embryo implantation in IVF. Examples are Gestone, Cyclogest, Crinone, and Utrogestan.