Medicated cycles may be a cost-effective option for overcoming infertility

Some people just need a little bit of help to have a baby. Medicated cycles, such as those using Clomid, are one of the most affordable fertility treatments available today. If you are looking for fertility treatment in Lexington, our experienced reproductive endocrinologists have a wide range of treatments to help make your dream of a family come true. The treatment that you may need will depend on your diagnosis, and we will always recommend treatment options that consider both your reproductive health and your budget.

How do medicated cycles work?

We may recommend medicated cycles when an ovulation disorder or sperm issue is diagnosed. Sometimes, fertility medication is combined with intrauterine insemination (IUI), a procedure in which prepared sperm are injected directly into the uterine cavity at the time of ovulation, increasing the chances of fertilization and pregnancy. Whether you choose IUI or a “natural” cycle with timed intercourse, much of the process for medicated cycles is the same.

The woman will take an ovulation-inducing medication, such as clomid (clomiphene citrate) for five days in the early part of her menstrual cycle. This medication is a pill that is taken orally to encourage the development of one or more eggs in the ovaries.
Because Clomid can spark the production of multiple eggs, it’s important that the woman return to our office for ultrasound monitoring of egg development. This way, our fertility specialists can minimize the risk of pregnancy with multiples.
When the eggs are mature, the woman will take a “trigger shot” of hCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin. This will cause the eggs to release, or ovulate, at exactly the right time – when sperm are introduced.
Other medications may also be used as part of a medicated cycle, such as birth control pills to regulate the menstrual cycle, or ovulation-suppression medications to prevent the release of an egg before it is ready. Some women may also need progesterone or estrogen to prepare the uterine lining for embryo implantation or to support early pregnancy.

If you are prescribed a medicated cycle, it is very important to follow instructions carefully for which medications you need to take, and at what times. It is also critical to abstain from intercourse until your fertility specialist tells you that it is safe.

Who needs fertility medications?

Fertility medications are often all that is needed to help an infertile couple achieve pregnancy. Medicated cycles may be recommended when a woman has irregular cycles or is not ovulating, and sometimes when a lower-than-normal quantity of good-quality sperm are available for fertilization.

Irregular or absent ovulation
Hormone disorders
Low egg quality or quantity
Premature ovarian failure
Moderately low sperm count or poor sperm quality

It’s important to remember that it may take more than one Clomid cycle to achieve pregnancy. Patience and persistence are key. Depending on their situation, some couples choose to proceed directly to IVF instead, as the chances of success with IVF are typically higher for most infertility diagnoses.

Get help to conceive

If you’re wondering why it’s taking so long to get pregnant, you are not alone. Millions of people need fertility treatment to grow their families, and for many, medicated cycles are the key to success. Contact us to schedule an appointment to find out if fertility treatment can help you achieve your family-building goals.