GnRH Agonists - Lupron,
taken as an injection just below the skin and Synarel, a nasal spray,
allow the body to produce a greater number of high quality eggs
during the treatment cycle. They also prevent the midcycle hormonal
surge that can result in the cancellation of a cycle.
Antagonists - Antagon
and Cetrotide are antagonists of gonadotropin releasing hormone
(GnRH) and are used to prevent premature ovulation. These medications
are given by injection and the duration of treatment is usually
three or four days.
Gonadotropins - Gonadotropins
are taken as subcutaneous injections that provide stimulation to the follicles
that contain the eggs during the stimulation phase. Gonal F, Bravelle, Follistim,
Pergonal and Repronex are the most commonly used gonadotropins.
hCG - hCGs are taken as an intramuscular
injection and are used to induce the final maturational changes in the eggs
and prepare them for retrieval. The most commonly prescribed hCGs are Pregnyl,
Profasi and Novarel.
Medrol - Medrol is a steroid hormone given daily, typically
for a period of four days during the cycle, to assist pre-embryo
implantation.
Doxycycline - Doxycycline, an antibiotic administered
in pill form, is given to the male partner during the wife's stimulation
cycle to reduce the low levels of bacteria that may be found in
the semen and which may compromise the performance of the sperm
during an IVF cycle. It is also given to the female partner to
reduce the risk of infection following aspiration of the follicles
at the time of egg retrieval.
Progesterone - Natural Progesterone may be taken as a
daily intramuscular injection beginning two days after egg retrieval
and continuing until the placenta is making adequate amounts of
Progesterone. Progesterone can also be given in the form of a
vaginal gel or vaginal suppositories or pills (Prometrium).
