If you need to read up on Clomid, Provera or Metformin please search blogs by date of Feb 16,2008 thank you=) Our ability to get pregnant is something many women take for granted. But as those who have had difficulty conceiving know all too well, deciding on how to improve your chances of becoming a mother is anything but simple. One option your doctor may present to you is fertility drugs. But before he does, it's best to be informed about the advantages and disadvantages of such treatment. One commonly prescribed fertility drug is Clomid – but what are the potential side effects of this medication? Dr. Frederick R. Jelovsek gives you detailed advice on what taking this drug might mean for you. If Clomid doesn't work for you your doctor may prescribe the drug Tamoxifen / Nolvadex. Find an overview of different types of fertility drugs, such as recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (rFSH), including the common symptoms and multiple pregnancy risks with which they are associated, at Fertility Drugs. Other fertility drugs that your doctor may prescribe to boost your fertility include:

Tamoxifen / Nolvadex Pregonal Bromocriptine Aromatase Inhibitors Heparin Urofollitropin

And no matter what type of medicine you choose to take, you will want to learn about the costs involved with taking fertility drugs. Find out about the costs of common fertility drugs, as well as assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization at Fertility Drug Costs. Here you'll also find advice on financial planning and whether your health insurance plan will cover your fertility treatment costs. Fertility drugs are the first step in fertility treatment. Infertility affects 7.1% of married couples in the United States, a figure that represents 2.8 million married couples. Several factors can lead to infertility, including poor egg production and quality and irregular or lack of ovulation due to a hormonal balance may also result in infertility. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) can also result in infertility; PCOS is caused by a hormonal imbalance that leads to the inability to release eggs. PCOS may also result in painful cysts. The fact that women today are generally trying to conceive later in life is also a factor that can affect the quality of her eggs and lead to her to turn to fertility drug treatment. Poor sperm count and quality is another reason why couples have trouble conceiving on their own. Common Fertility Drugs Fertility drugs promote ovulation by stimulating hormones in the brain which control egg production. Clomiphene is one common fertility drug. This drug, more commonly known as Clomid, is taken in a daily pill form. It is particularly helpful for women who have PCOS, and also helps with hormonal imbalances linked to low sperm count, quality and mobility. Gonadotropins (also known as Pergonal) is used in cases when clomiphene isn't effective. It is administered via an injection on the third day of a woman's menstrual cycle, a dose that is continued for a period of seven to twelve days. Gonadoptropins works best for women who have PCOS or who have unexplained fertility problems. It can be used in conjunction with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) to stimulate egg production. On the other hand, bromocriptine is prescribed when ovulation problems are caused by pituitary adenoma, a benign tumor. Bromocriptine, which is also known as Parlodel, can be administered either orally or vaginally and is taken 2 to 3 times daily for a period of a few months. Rates of Success In patients who take bromocriptine, 90% of women continue ovulating while on the drug while 65% to 85% of these women become pregnant. This wide range in percentage is dependant on a wide variety of factors, including the woman's age and the quality of the man's sperm. Clomiphene leads to an 80% ovulation success rate with 40% of these women being successful in becoming pregnant. Thirty to sixty percent of these pregnancies result in live births. Gonadotropins leads to a 20 to 60% rate of success in conceiving, while the live birth rate is estimated to be 75 to 80%. Side Effects Clomiphene often results in stomach pain, mild swelling of the ovaries, vomiting and, in rare cases, ovarian cysts. Gonadotropins can lead to such symptoms as weight gain and tenderness, while bromocriptine can lead to fatigue, headaches and diarrhea. Women should be aware that taking fertility drugs is an emotionally exhausting process that requires frequent check ups and regular monitoring. Establishing a support system (including a doctor whom you and your partner trust and a friend or loved one in whom to confide) is crucial step you should take before beginning any fertility treatment plan. Risks Like IVF, fertility drugs increase the risk of multiple births. Multiple births pose special risks because they increase the chance of miscarriage and preterm labor. Premature babies often have serious health problems, such as underdeveloped lungs. Gonadotropins increase the risk of multiple births by 10 to 40%, while 10% of clomiphene users conceive multiple babies, usually twins. Bromocriptine doesn't increase a woman's chance of giving birth to multiple babies. To reduce the risk of multiple births, a woman must be closely monitored by her physician; adjusting the dosage of the prescribed drug is another option. A recent study found that fertility drugs do not increase a woman's risk of developing ovarian cancer, putting an end to years of debate over the link between ovarian cancer and fertility drug use. For the 7.1% of American married couples who have infertility problems, alternative fertility options, such as fertility drugs and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) can provide for them a way to achieve their dreams of becoming parents. But these fertility treatments aren't cheap. What is the price of common alternative fertility treatments? And are they really worth it? Do all health insurance plans cover the cost of fertility treatment? Fertility Drugs Fertility drugs are usually the first step in alternative fertility treatment. Clompihene is a common fertility drug given to women with hormonal imbalances and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Clomiphene costs a minimum of $50 for one cycle; this cost doesn't include medical visits, ultrasounds, or follow-up artificial insemination procedures, should they be required. Clomiphene leads to an 80% ovulation success rate with 40% of these women successfully becoming pregnant. Thirty to sixty percent of these pregnancies result in live births. Gonadotropins, which is sometimes used in conjunction with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), costs approximately $2 000 to $5 000; this price includes tests, drugs and medical check-ups. Gonadotropins leads to a 20 to 60% rate of success in conceiving, while the live birth rate is estimated to be 75 to 80%. Another common fertility drug, bromocriptine, requires $75 to $112 per cycle. In patients who take bromocriptine, 90% of women continue ovulating while on the drug while 65% to 85% of these women become pregnant. If your insurance policy doesn't cover the cost of fertility drugs such as the ones above, you'll have to pay the cost up front. Assisted Reproductive Technologies Ten to fifteen percent of couples that see a fertility specialist require ART in order to become pregnant. Intrauterine insemination (IUI, in which sperm is placed in the womb using artificial means) costs $345, a cost which includes the cost of semen analysis, sperm preparation; insemination. IVF is a process in which eggs from the ovary and sperm are injected into the womb if they become fertilized; it has a 35% success rate of becoming pregnant, with a 28% success rate of delivering a baby. A frozen embryo transfer (which saves any eggs not used in an IVF cycle) costs approximately $2545. Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) is a process in which the eggs and sperm are mixed in the lab and then surgically implanted in the womb; GIFT has a 25 to 30% success rate of becoming pregnant, with a cost of between $8 000 to $15 000. Zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT) is a process similar to GIFT, except that doctors make sure the egg is fertilized before implanting it into the womb. ZIFT also has a success rate of 25 to 30% success rate of conceiving and also costs between $8 000 to $15 000. Suggestions for Financial Aid: Health Insurance and Other Options You should thoroughly research whether your health insurance policy covers fertility drugs or fertility treatment before committing to any plan. Also, be aware that fertility treatment costs vary from state to state. Studies have found that the earlier couples visit reproductive specialists, the lower the overall cost of fertility treatment will be. This is because the appropriate tests are conducted to diagnose the cause of infertility. As a result, less time and money is wasted on fertility drugs that aren't effective, and you have a greater chance of becoming pregnant more quickly. Also, waiting too long to seek fertility treatment isn't cost-effective. Fertility decreases with age, especially after the age of 35. If you wait until you're older, chances are you'll have to spend even more money on fertility treatments in order to become pregnant. A study found that of 355 American employers, 41% offer health insurance policies that cover at least one type of infertility treatment, but many of these didn't pay for IVF. Over 65% of American employees offer insurance policies that are exempt from state mandates that require health insurance companies to make available a policy covering fertility treatment. Many fertility clinics have financial aid counselors, who can help you set up a loan. If your credit rating is strong, you can have access to low interest rates. Many health insurance policies cover prescription medications that can sometimes balance the costs of fertility treatments. Shared Risk is a popular program in which an individual pays for a certain number of IVF cycles at the start of the program (typically four cycles) and if you're not pregnant after the specified number of cycles, you don't have to pay. Fertility treatment can create a lot of financial, emotional and physical stress. Many reproductive centers offer financial counseling, and can help you find an affordable, individual health insurance that's right for you. However, it's imperative to start budgeting before you start any fertility process in order to avoid disappointment and unnecessary stress. Treating Female Infertility: Recombinant FSH (rFSH) For couples experiencing difficulty getting pregnant, finding the proper infertility treatment can often become an overwhelming task. However, for women experiencing abnormal ovulation cycles, there may be hope in recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (rFSH). This fertility drug works by stimulating ovulation using synthetic female hormones, in effect improving a woman's overall fertility. What is Recombinant FSH? Follicle-stimulating hormone is a special hormone that is secreted by the pituitary gland; a small gland located in the brain. This hormone belongs to a group of hormones known as gonadotropins, which are responsible for stimulating the ovaries. In women, FSH's job is to stimulate the development of follicles inside your ovaries so that they can mature and release eggs for fertilization. Recombinant FSH is a synthetic form of FSH that is produced using DNA technology. It is used to help induce ovulation in preparation for fertility treatments, like IUI and in vitro fertilization (IVF). It is most often recommended for women whose ovaries produce follicles but lack sufficient hormones to stimulate their development. This often comes as a result of a preexisting reproductive health condition, such as:

anovulation irregular menstruation amenorrhea PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)

In the past, FSH could only be retrieved from a woman's urine. But this procedure often made it difficult to retrieve FSH without contamination. The advantage of recombinant FSH therefore, is that it can be easily produced with little risk of contamination. Recombinant FSH now represents 98% of all FSH used in fertility treatments. Who Should Not Take Recombinant FSH? People with any of the following conditions may require a varied dosage of rFSH, or special monitoring:

thyroid problem adrenal dysfunction cancer of the breast, ovary, uterus, hypothalamus or pituitary gland undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding ovarian cysts or enlargement not caused by PCOS

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use rFSH. How is Recombinant FSH Taken? Recombinant FSH is usually given in the form of intramuscular or subcutaneous injections. It is typically started on day 2 or 3 of your menstrual cycle and is continued daily for six to ten days. Dosages vary from woman to woman, but are typically between 75 and 600 units. Side Effects of Recombinant FSH If you are taking recombinant FSH therapy, you may notice a few side effects during your treatment. Possible side effects include:

ovarian enlargement manifested in abdominal or pelvic pain, tenderness or swelling breast tenderness fluid retention and swelling headache fatigue or dizziness irritability fever or chills spotting or menstrual changes dry skin, rash or hair loss rapid pulse or heart rate

You should stop taking rFSH right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives) pain, warmth, redness, numbness, or tingling in an arm or leg (which may indicate a blood clot); confusion, severe dizziness, severe headache; or difficulty breathing

It is important to be aware of the fact that FSH increases the risk multiple birth pregnancies. Because FSH stimulates follicular development, there is a chance that more than one egg will be released and fertilized. Recombinant FSH has also been associated with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), especially after the first cycle of therapy. Symptoms of OHSS include severe pelvic pain, swelling of the hands or legs, abdominal pain and swelling, shortness of breath, weight gain, low urine output, diarrhea, and nausea or vomiting. Left untreated, OHSS can be fatal. You should notify your health care professional immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. Success Rates with Recombinant FSH Recombinant FSH does appear to be effective in stimulating ovulation in women who are having difficulties ovulating regularly. That being said, between 70% and 90% of women taking recombinant FSH do begin to ovulate. Pregnancy rates with recombinant FSH are between 26% and 28%. How Effective is the Fertility Drug Urofollitropin? Experiencing problems getting pregnant can cause a lot of stress for couples and on their relationship. If you're experiencing difficulties conceiving because of menstrual difficulties consult your health care provide or doctor on ways to improve fertility. Your doctor may advise you to try the fertility drug, Urofollitropin. Urofollitropin and Female Fertility Urofollitropin can help enhance female fertility by regulating hormonal imbalances and ovulation problems caused by conditions that produce symptoms of infertility in women. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a condition where ovaries develops cysts, disrupting the ovulation cycle, is one common infertility condition. Urofollitropin and FSH Urofollitropin is a synthetic form of the follicle-stimulation hormone (FSH). Urofollitropin is taken twice a day by intramuscular or subcutaneous injections until ovulation occurs. FSH is a hormone released by the pituitary gland. FSH induces the development of the ovarian follicle, egg, and surrounding cells that are required to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Since some women don't produce enough FSH, they experience problems ovulating regularly or ovulating at all, which lowers their odds of getting pregnant. How Urofollitropin Works? Urofollitropin works by mirroring the functions of FSH. Doctors advise women to take this fertility drug with the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) drug. This is because hCG helps produce a normal surge of luteinizing hormone (LH), which serves as an indicator of ovulation. Urofollitropin Treats The conditions Urofollitropin help treat the following conditions in women:

Low levels of FSH Abnormal levels of LH POS anovulation unexplained infertility

Urofollitropin is also used in women who don't respond to the common fertility drug Clomid. Side Effects of Urofollitropin Like any fertility drug, Urofollitropin may produce a few side effects. The common side effects of this fertility treatment include:

abdominal pain bloating swelling or redness at the injection site risk of multiple pregnancies

Other less common and more serious side effects include:

infrequent urination digestion problems pain, nausea, and vomiting fever or chills rapid weight gain or hair loss risk of developing hyperstimulation syndrome

If you experience any of the side effects or ones not listed consult your doctor immediately. Urofollitropin Success Rates Urofollitropin has proven to be largely effective in inducing ovulation in women. Respectively, 70 to 90 percent of the women were able to ovulate while using this fertility drug. Improving Fertility with Heparin Heparin belongs to a class of drugs called anticoagulants. These types of drugs are also known as blood thinner medications, however Heparin does not actually thin the blood, but it does prevent blood from clotting. While it will prevent the growth of previously formed blood clots, it will not dissolve already existing blood clots. Heparin works by targeting the thrombin compound, which is found in blood. Thrombin helps to clot the blood, so by inactivating thrombin, the platelets in the blood become less sticky and less likely to form clots. Heparin is often given in small doses alongside low-level aspirin therapy as a form of fertility treatment. How does Heparin affect fertility? Heparin can be helpful in treating fertility problems in women. It prevents blood clotting in the placenta of pregnant women with high levels of antiphospholipid antibodies, who are at higher levels of multiple miscarriages and stillbirth. Blood clots that form in the placenta interfere with the passage of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, which endangers the unborn baby. Blood clots can also change the makeup of the placents, making it harder for an egg to be implanted. The effectiveness of Heparin in improving fertility is still being debated, but in combination with low-dose aspirin therapy, studies have shown that Heparin can increase the odds of carrying a pregnancy to term. The effects of this drug on the fetus and mother during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester, still need to be studies more in-depth. Heparin is available in oral and injected forms and can be accompanied by low doses of other fertility drugs. Heparin Risks and Side Effects While more studies still need to be conducted on the effects of Heparin on the pregnant women and fetus, there are known side effects. These include, but are not limited to: back pain, stomach pain or abdominal swelling, skin rash, unusual or excessive bleeding, bone loss, hair loss, chest pain, sudden headaches, dizziness or loss of coordination, sudden difficulty breathing, slurred speech or vision changes, unusual bruising, coughing up blood, joint pain, vomiting blood or dark substances, changes in skin color, hives, decreased height, numbness or tingling of limbs. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking Heparin or after taking Heparin, seek medical attention immediately. Speak to your doctor about the side effects, precautions, and risk factors associated with Heparin before starting treatment. Scoop on the Fertility Drug: Bromocriptine If you're experiencing difficulties getting pregnant, you're not alone. Many couples, in fact 7.1% of married couples in the United States, experience fertility problems. Many factors can cause infertility in couples. For women, having irregular or no ovulation at all maybe one of the leading causes of infertility. But, fertility treatments, such as bromocriptine can help women ovulate. So, ask your doctor about the fertility drug bromocriptine to see if it's right for you! Taking Bromocriptine Bromocriptine sells under the trade name Parlodel as a pill or capsule. The pill or capsule should be taken as advised. Often users take bromocriptine once or twice daily. The doses of bromocriptine shouldn't be stopped or increased or decreased without consulting the doctor. If you're taking bromocriptine to induce ovulation, it usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks for menstruation to occur. The First Dose Most users report feeling dizzy after taking their first dose of bromocriptine, so it's recommended that you lie down after taking your first dose of the fertility drug. To avoid getting an upset stomach, you should try to take the drug during a meal or with milk. Side Effects Like all fertility drugs, bromocriptine has a few side effects as well. Some of the common side effects of bromocriptine include:

constipation or diarrhea dizziness and headaches fatigue nausea and vomiting upset stomach or cramps

These side effects should reduce or disappear after your body becomes used to the fertility drug. Other less common but more serious side effect of this fertility drug, include:

shortness of breath irregular pulse rashes involuntary movements tingling of hands or feet

You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms, or other symptoms that are not listed. h1>Getting Pregnant with the Fertility Drug Pregonal Getting pregnant can be extremely difficult for some couples. But help does exist. Try talking to your doctor about fertility treatments to increase your odds of getting pregnant. Your doctor or health care provider may recommend you to use the fertility drug: Pregonal. What is Pregonal? Pregonal is one brand name for the drug menotropin. Menotropin is made up of a combination of gonadotropin hormones derived from the urine of postmenopausal women. Menotropin contains the hormones FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinising hormone). To understand how Pregonal functions it is crucial to know how FSH and LH work. This is because Pregonal imitates the functions of these two hormones. How FSH and LH Works In females, FSH works to help the ovaries mature by aiding in the development of the egg and cells surrounding the ovaries. The cells surrounding the ovaries release hormones such as estrogen, which thickens the uterine lining before the hormone LH is secreted. LH, when secreted, works to induce ovulation by causing the ovarian follicle to release the egg. Pregonal Helps Treat Pregonal is commonly used to aid in vitro fertilization. This is because Pregonal triggers the growth of the ovarian follicle and can help release multiple follicles, increasing the success rate of in vitro fertilization. Pregonal can also be used to improve fertility in women who suffer from the following conditions:

polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) luteal phase defects unexplained infertility

Pregonal can also be used in men to enhance sperm quality. In addition, this < a href=" /minfert.htmminf01" mce_href=" /minfert.htmminf01" mce_href=" /minfert.htmminf01">infertility treatment can help men suffering from the following conditions:

hormonal imbalance oligospermia (low sperm count) hypogonadism

Using Pregonal Pregonal is administrated through intramuscular injections. The dosage you're doctor prescribes of Pregonal depends on your condition and gender. But, typically Pregonal is taken once daily for a week or longer. Your doctor may also recommend that you take a dose of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) before, after, or during your treatment to help Pregonal treat your fertility problems. It's important to read instructions carefully when taking Pregonal and to take doses as advised. A doctor monitoring your progress under Pregonal is also important, so if you miss a dose consult your doctor. Your doctor may need to change your following doses to make up for the missed dose. Never change the amount of Pregonal you take or ever stop taking Pregonal without asking your doctor. Pregonal's Side Effects and Risks Like all fertility drugs, Pregonal has its share of side effects and risks. Some side effects and risk associated with Pregonal and other menotropin treatments include:

Heart complications Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome Ovarian enlargement Ovarian cysts Adnominal pain Flu-like symptoms Pain and swelling at injection site Body rashes Multiple pregnancies

But, not all Pregonal or menotropin users report side effects to this treatment. So, if you have any questions about the risks of using this drug, or if you experience any side effects not listed contact your doctor immediately. Find out if Pregonal can help alleviate your fertility problems. How Does the Fertility Drug Tamoxifen / Nolvadex Work? If you're having problems getting pregnant because of irregular menstrual cycles or a lack of ovulation, your doctor may recommend you to use the fertility drug tamoxifen. Tamoxifen, also referred to as Nolvadex, is used to treat female infertility by triggering ovulation. When ovulation occurs on a regular basis the odds of conception increases and pregnancy becomes more likely. Read on to find more about this infertility treatment and whether Nolvadex is right for you. What is Nolvadex? Nolvadex works to block estrogen, so it's known as an estrogen antagonist. Although, estrogen is beneficial in small amounts, it can produce infertility problems when an excessive supply of estrogen is produced. Nolvadex is also used to preserve fertility in women with breast cancer as they undergo cancer treatment. Taking Nolvadex/Tamoxifen Tamoxifen comes in a tablet form that is taken once a day for a short period of time to induce ovulation. Tamoxifen is a good alternative to clomiphene (Clomid), and your doctor may prescribe tamoxifen to you if you don't respond to Clomid. Tamoxifen produces a similar success rate of inducing ovulation in women to Clomid. This means, 65 to 75 percent of women using tamoxifen to improve their fertility will be able to ovulate. Tamoxifen also increases the chances of pregnancy by 30 to 35 percent, which is fairly lower than the pregnancy success rate shown in women taking Clomid. Nolvadex and Side Effects Nolvadex produces similar side effects as the fertility drug Clomid. Some of the side effects and risks nolvadex produces in women include:

blood clots (thrombosis) dizziness endometrial cancer endometriosis hair and/or nail thinning headaches indigestion irregular menstruation nausea visual problems voice changes weight gain risk of multiple births

If you experience any side effects that are not listed consult your doctor. If you become pregnant while taking Nolvadex, you should stop the treatment and visit your doctor for a pregnancy test. Also, talk to your doctor about the risk of multiple births before starting this fertility treatment. Studies show that tamoxifen can increase the risk of twins by 10 %, so ask your doctor about this risk or any other risks associated to taking tamoxifen/nolvadex. Human Menopausal Gonadotropins (hMG) If you're having difficulties getting pregnant because of menstrual irregularities, you may want to ask you're doctor about the fertility drug: Human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG). hMG is typically given to females undergoing fertility treatments like IFV and IUI to induce ovulation. hMG contains the luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)— the two crucial hormones needed to stimulate ovulation. hMG like the fertility drug Urofollitropin is extracted from the urine of post-menopausal women and then purified before use. How hMG Works and Its Effectiveness Human menopausal gonadotropins stimulate the pituitary gland to release the hormones: LH and FSH. These hormones released by hMG combine forces to aid in the development and release of the egg by a woman's follicles. Once the matured egg is released into the fallopian tubes, it is ready to be fertilized. Help Treat Human menopausal gonadotropins are most likely to increase the odds of conception, improving fertility in women who suffer from fertility problems including:

Endometriosis Low levels of LH Low levels of FSH Ovary disorders like PCOS

Women who do not respond to the infertility drug Clomid can also use hMG. Using HMG and Side Effects Your doctor may recommend you to take human menopausal gonadotropins two to three days after your menstruation starts, for up seven to twelve days. Although, your dose of hMG will depend on your condition, the average dose of hMG recommended is between 75 and 600 IU per day. hMG are taken in the form of intramuscular injections. A common side effect of hMG is hyperovarian stimulation. This occurs when the ovaries respond too well to the fertility drug. As a result the body releases multiple follicles into the ovaries. The release of multiple eggs can also increase the risk of multiple births by 40 percent while using hMG. Another side effect woman may notice while using this infertility drug to treat includes mood swings. Consult with your doctor or health care provider about the risks and other side effects associated with hMG before using it. Improve Fertility With Human Chorionic Gonadotropin The inability to ovulate regularly is just one fertility problems that can lower the chances of getting pregnant. Problems in ovulation can occur for a number of reasons such as hormonal imbalances, ovarian abnormalities, and other health complications. But, women suffering from female fertility can increase their odds of getting pregnant by using fertility drugs, such as the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin or hCG. What is Human Chorionic Gonadotropin? Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone that helps regulate the corpus lutem, a follicle that produces an egg for ovulation. hCG also stimulates the production of the two crucial hormones – estrogen and progesterone – needed to carry pregnancy to term. Normally, hCG is used in infertility treatments to trigger ovulation. hCG is extracted from the urine of pregnant women after being produced by the placenta. How HCG Works The HCG hormone works similar to the lutenizing hormone (LH) secreted by the pituitary gland. While the main function of LH is to the release the egg down the fallopian tube, hCG works to increase the number of eggs produced by the ovaries each month. With an increase number of eggs, the chance of fertilization increases. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Helps Treat In women, human chorionic gonadotropin can help treat irregularities in ovulation, such as the following conditions:

anovulation irregular menstruation polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

In men, hCG can be used to increase the level of testosterones and sperm. Taking hCG and Success Rates hCG is taken in the form of an injection. Your fertility doctor will administer one dose of hCG during each cycle of your infertility treatment. Your fertility specialist may show you how and when to administer the injections yourself. But, either way your fertility doctor will need to monitor your progress, and will give you and your partner a guideline regarding timed intercourse, to increase chances of conception. HCG has proven effective in inducing ovulation; in fact 90 percent of the women taking this fertility drug ovulate after receiving treatment. On average, hCG increases pregnancy rate by 15 percent per a cycle. But this percentage increases with the use of the artificial insemination procedure:IUI. Side Effects and Risks of hCG Like most fertility treatments, hCG may cause you to experience some side effects. Some common side effects and risks of hCG include:

abdominal discomfort headaches mood changes nausea indigestion sore breasts tiredness water retention weight gain risk of multiple births

If any of the symptoms continue to worsen consult your health care professional. You may also experience other side effects not listed, and if you do contact your doctor and have them checked out.