IUI Ovulation Drugs

During intrauterine insemination (IUI), sperm are inserted directly into a woman's uterus in order to increase the chances of fertilizing an egg - that is, of getting pregnant. IUI is also known as artificial insemination.

For couples who have been unable to conceive, IUI is one of many infertility treatments now available. Compared to other alternatives, IUI is a fairly simple and inexpensive form of assisted reproduction.

Fertility Drugs Overview

Fertility drugs are medications used to enhance a couple's ability to conceive. These drugs can trigger or suppress ovulation, can be used for male infertility factors, after recurrent miscarriages, and as part of infertility treatment procedures such as IUI or in-vitro fertilization (IVF).

IUI Ovulation Drugs

Although fertility drugs are not always used in conjunction with IUI, doctors often recommend the addition of ovulation drugs to increase the chances that a woman will get pregnant via the IUI procedure.

Ovulation is the process in which a mature egg is released from a woman's ovary with the potential of being fertilized. Normally, the ovaries are stimulated by the body's natural hormones (such as FSH - follicle stimulate hormone, and LH - luteinizing hormone), which help a woman's eggs develop and get released.

However, approximately a quarter of all female factor infertility cases are the result of ovulation dysfunctions. These dysfunctions are frequently treated with ovulation drugs.

Ovulation drugs commonly used in conjunction with IUI include:

•1) Clomid (or Clomiphene Citrate): Clomid is the most widely known fertility drug, often prescribed as the first treatment for ovulatory dysfunction. Compared with other drugs, Clomid has a lower risk of side effects such as multiple pregnancies and Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). Clomid is also popular since it is taken in pill form rather than by injection, is relatively inexpensive, and has an 80% success rate of stimulating ovulation.

•2) Gonadotropins: Gonadotropins (such as FSH, LH, and hCG) are fertility drugs that mimic the activities of the body's hormones, which are critical to the ovulation process. When a woman cannot produce these hormones or if the use of Clomid is not effective, gonadotropins may be injected as part of IUI treatment.  Check out our articles on follistim and gonal F and bravelle and ovidrel.

Fertility Drug Risks

The use of IUI ovulation drugs can lead to multiple or high-order pregnancies and related complications. Another possible side effect is Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), which results from the over-stimulation of the ovaries and which can cause serious complications. 

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