Approximately 10 percent of American couples are infertile, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Couples who have tried unsuccessfully to conceiving for a period of six months to one year are considered infertile. Although the treatment for infertility depends on the specific cause, fertility medications can often treat the condition if the problem is due to problems with ovulation or a low sperm count. These medications often boost the chances of conception, but also come with risks. People who are interested in using fertility medications should talk to a doctor to explore their options.
Step 1
Try to conceive naturally. Most experts suggest that couples try to conceive on their own for at least one year if they are under the age of 35, and at least for six months if they are over 25, explains the National Women’s Health Information Center. Timing intercourse around ovulation increases the likelihood of pregnancy.
Step 2
Make a doctor’s appointment for an infertility checkup. An appointment is necessary so a doctor can determine if a medical condition is causing the infertility and write a prescription for fertility medication when necessary.
Step 3
Agree to testing. Doctors typically perform several types of tests to determine the cause of fertility issues in women. This include blood work to check hormone levels, a hysterosalpingography to check if the fallopian tubes are open, and a laparoscopy to check the uterus and ovaries for disease and physical problems. Doctors also perform a semen analysis for men with suspected fertility problems. If the results of the tests indicate there is a problem with the sperm or ovulation, doctors often turn to fertility drugs for treatment.
Step 4
Discuss your options with a doctor. Clomiphene and gonadotropins help women ovulate and stabilize hormones to increase sperm production and the motility of the sperm. Metformin treats insulin resistance to boost fertility. Bromocriptine adjusts prolactin levels for women with a pituitary adenoma. Other options may also be available depending on the specific situation.
Step 5
Fill the prescription and read the prescribing information sheet carefully. Always take the medication exactly as directed, and talk to a doctor about any questions or concerns.
Tips and Warnings
- It is useful for a doctor to know if a woman is ovulating regularly before she goes for her infertility checkup. A woman can determine this by writing down her morning basal body temperature, using an ovulation predictor kit, or monitoring her cervical mucus for several months and sharing her findings with her doctor.
- Although non-prescription fertility pills are available online and over-the-counter, the Food and Drug Administration does not monitor the effectiveness or safety of these products as they do with prescription medications. Individuals should check with a doctor before using any of these products. Taking fertility medications significantly raises the possibility of conceiving twins or more. Multiple births are associated with a range of complications for both the mother and the infant, warns the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Talk to a doctor to see if alternative treatments are available.
