If you’re trying to conceive and your doctor mentioned fertility medication, this page breaks down the basics in plain language. Fertility meds are used to help ovulation, improve egg quality, support implantation, or control hormones during IVF. They’re powerful tools, but they work differently depending on the diagnosis — ovulation problems, PCOS, low sperm count, or unexplained infertility.
Clomiphene citrate (Clomid) and letrozole are the first-line drugs to trigger ovulation. Clomid blocks estrogen signals so the brain releases more FSH and LH. Letrozole lowers estrogen production, which can also raise FSH. Many clinics prefer letrozole for people with PCOS because it often gives a cleaner ovarian response.
Gonadotropins (FSH and LH injections) are stronger. Doctors use them when oral drugs don’t work or for IVF to stimulate multiple follicles. These require clinic monitoring — blood tests and ultrasounds — because the dose is adjusted based on your response.
GnRH agonists and antagonists control timing during IVF cycles. They stop your natural hormone surges so the clinic can plan egg retrieval precisely. Progesterone supplements (pills, injections, or vaginal gel) support the uterine lining after ovulation or embryo transfer.
Metformin is not a classic fertility drug but helps many people with insulin resistance or PCOS. It can improve menstrual regularity and increase the chance that ovulation drugs will work.
Side effects vary by drug: hot flashes, mood swings, bloating, headaches, or injection site soreness are common. Gonadotropins carry a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS); that’s why clinics monitor closely. Multiple pregnancy risk rises with ovulation drugs and gonadotropins — your provider will talk about how many embryos or follicles are safe.
Before starting any fertility medication, get a clear diagnosis and a plan: what drug, what dose, and what monitoring schedule. Ask how side effects will be managed and what signs mean you should call the clinic (severe pelvic pain, rapid weight gain, shortness of breath).
If you’re buying medication online, always use a licensed pharmacy and require a valid prescription. Avoid sites that sell prescription drugs without one. Telemedicine services can legally provide prescriptions after a consult and are a safer route than unverified sellers.
Keep a log of medications, doses, and symptoms. Bring it to appointments so your clinic can fine-tune treatment quickly. And remember: many people respond to simple, low-cost options first — oral meds or lifestyle changes like weight management and checking vitamin D or thyroid levels can make a big difference.
Want specific drug guides or help finding a licensed online pharmacy? Check resources or ask your clinic for recommended pharmacies and telemedicine services. Fertility treatment is a step-by-step process — the right information and oversight make it safer and more effective.
In a move to make fertility treatments more accessible, Cosette Pharmaceuticals has teamed up with Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company. Their alliance aims to offer Clomid® at a significantly reduced cost. This partnership marks a significant step toward improving fertility care affordability, benefiting countless couples.
