When a woman has trouble conceiving, fertility drugs may be prescribed to stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs for fertilization. There are several different types of fertility drugs recommended to treat infertility and boost egg production. They're hormone-based or they affect hormone production in the body. Because of the effects on hormones, fertility medications typically cause a number of side effects. Fertility drugs can include clomiphene citrate, human menopausal gonadotropin, follicle -timulating hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin, leuprolide and synthetic gonadotropin inhibitors.
Physical Side Effects
All of these fertility drugs may cause a number of physical side effects that can be unpleasant to deal with. Stomachache or abdominal cramping, along with vomiting, feeling sick to the stomach, swelling and headaches are all common possible side effects of fertility drugs, according to the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. Breasts may be sore and hot flashes may occur, in addition to vaginal dryness. Some women even notice that their vision is affected and appears blurry, or that a rash appears on their skin.
Mental and Emotional Side Effects
Fertility drugs can even affect the way that you think and feel. Many women suffer from depression, or feel unusually irritable or on-edge. Restlessness is a common side effect, according to the UCSFMC. Other women feel unusually fatigued or exhausted, and suffer from fluctuating moods.
Pregnancy and Reproductive Side Effects
The ovaries (which release the eggs) can become noticeably swollen, tender or painful due to these drugs, according to the UCSFMC. This can lead to pain in the abdomen and uncomfortable bloating, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Cysts may also develop on the ovaries.
One of the most common side effects of fertility drugs is the increased risk of multiple births--becoming pregnant with twins, triplets or more. But, the APA notes that some medications--such as clomiphene citrate--may actually result in a greater likelihood of miscarriage.
