Medication Programs
Depending on the medication you are using, there are two programs that you can use to help with the cost of the fertility medications. Please contact your fertility nurse to find out which program to apply for.
Compassionate Care - Use for Gonal-F
ReUnite - Use for Follistim

Medication Education

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Ovulation induction involves stimulating the ovary to produce one or more eggs. This may be accomplished with a number of different medications.

Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid) is the simplest, and thus the most common, starting point for inducing ovulation. Clomid is classified as an anti-estrogen, which means that it blocks the effects of estrogen throughout the body. This blockage means the pituitary gland perceives only low levels of estrogen in the circulation, and therefore the pituitary gland responds by secreting more FSH and LH, which induces follicular recruitment and ovarian estrodiol production. In most cases, the rise in FSH is sufficient to stimulate the follicles to grow and eventually ovulate. Clomid is given in pill form and usually taken for five days at the beginning of a menstrual cycle. In properly selected patients, 80% can be expected to achieve ovulation. There are relatively few side effects associated with Clomid. In some patients, cervical mucus may inhibit the ability of the sperm to swim from the vagina and into the uterus. Other reported side effects include hot flashes, headaches, sensitivity to bright light, visual disturbances, mood swings and breast tenderness.

When Clomid is not effective, patients can use injectable gonadotropins to induce ovulation. The use of injectable Gonadotropins gives the physician control over the amount and duration of the FSH stimulation being provided to the developing follicles. Thus, it is possible to attain levels which are sufficient to stimulate follicular development and ovulation in a vast majority of patients. There are a number of different stimulation regimens physicians may utilize. The average regimen typically takes 7-12 days to achieve appropriate response and pending ovulation. Close monitoring via blood tests and ultrasounds are required in order to minimize the side effects and risks of Gonadotropins.

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is an injectable medication used to trigger the release of eggs when they are mature. Ovulation occurs 36-40 hours after the hCG injection to optimize the treatment cycle.

Injecting your medication can seem scary at first. We’ve provided these step-by-step injection training materials to help you or your partner administer with confidence.

MENOPUR

HCG
(Pregnyl or Novarel)