Probably the best known fertility drug in the United States is clomiphene, also known as Serophene or Clomid. It comes in tablet form and is relatively safe. However, like many medications, it does have some potential side effects. These include headache, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and ovarian cysts. There is also a 10 percent chance that a woman taking clomiphene will have twins.

At the Greater Kansas City Reproductive Resource Center, fertility doctors use clomiphene to induce or enhance ovulation because it helps the body produce more follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which is important in the process. However, clomiphene is only one of the drugs that could be chosen to increase fertility.

Follicle stimulating hormone in a form known as Follistim or Gonal-f is synthetic FSH. It is used to help induce ovulation. It can also be used to encourage the development of multiple eggs for use in in vitro fertilization (IVF). Side effects of Follistim or Gonal-f include muscle aches and headaches, enlarged ovaries, irritability, and breast tenderness.

Heparin, in the form of Hep-Lock or Liquaemin, is a blood thinner used to reduce the risk of miscarriage. It is injected into women whose blood clotting disorders seem to cause recurrent pregnancy loss. Heparin can have side effects, including skin rash, heavy bleeding, back pain, stomach pain, high blood potassium levels, and, with long-term use, hair loss.

Antagon is a form of gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist. Helps regulate ovulation in women undergoing treatment or chemotherapy. It is injected to increase the body’s production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone. Rising hormone levels cause the ovaries to stop producing eggs. Side effects of Antagon include insomnia, headaches, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness.

Human menopausal gonadotropin, which is produced under the names Pergonal, Repronex, and Menopur, is an injectable mixture of luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones. It can be used to help women who do not ovulate or who ovulate rarely, as well as women who do ovulate, by aiding in the maturation and release of the egg.

Depending on the goal of therapy, fertility drugs can be used to increase or decrease fertility. They are important tools in a comprehensive approach to women’s needs. Physicians at the Kansas City Reproductive Resource Center use medications and other means to help women achieve their reproductive goals.

The best way to learn about fertility treatment options is to see a doctor who specializes in fertility. He or she can discuss the full spectrum of alternatives and provide help in determining the optimal option.