If you want to know about gonadotropins then, have a super quick vision right here. Beyond the basics, whole information just in nutshell.
What are Gonadotropins?
Gonadotropins, are fertility drugs that carries certain hormones such as Follicle Stimulation Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), or may be amalgamation of both. These Hormones are used to Vivify the sex glands to escalate production of either sperm or ova. Usually, during regular menses, pituitary gland present in the brain produces FSH-LH naturally which stimulate ovaries to release single egg each month.
As a concern of infertility, fertility medications are given to the patient through injections. They act directly on the gonads to increase the yield of sex hormones. Follicle Stimulation Hormone and luteinizing Hormone are administered through injections only so gonadotropins are injectable drugs. There are some other fertility drugs which are taken as pills such as clomiphene and letrozole. When patients don’t respond to these pills, then gonadotropins are often capable of inducing ovulation in women.
When gonadotropins are used?
- To stimulate the ovaries when you do not ovulate on their own
- When you do not respond even after taking pills of clomiphene or letrozole
- Sometimes you do ovulate but can’t conceive
- Male factor infertility
- Unexplained infertility
- Those who wants to undergo fertility treatments like IUI or IVF
- Women who ovulate irregularly
“Considering the above situation, doctor recommends treatment in combination with gonadotropins, make sure to consult with the doctor prior taking injections. Patients are closely monitored under ultrasound while taking these medications so as to reduce the risk and side effects.”
Checklist prior to use gonadotropins for infertility treatment:
- Before undergoing any infertility treatment, couples should go for certain evaluations in order to choose the best
- Evaluation of complete physical examination, past medical history and blood tests
- For men- semen analysis, blood test, another prescribed tests if any
- In women- AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone testing), blood test, another prescribed tests if any
- After the evaluation, at the initial consultation, discuss the reports with doctor and get to know if you and your partner, or any of them, need gonadotropins for the treatment.
How are gonadotropins used in infertility treatments?
You can use gonadotropins on your own to escalate the fertility after consulting with doctor or they can be used as a part of fertility treatment such as IVF (In-vitro Fertilization) or IUI (Intrauterine Insemination). These medications along with IUI Intrauterine Insemination or IVF In-vitro fertilization boost the chances of pregnancy. Whatever the reason is behind infertility, gonadotropins work as a centerpiece of fertility treatments for various conditions like endometriosis, male factor infertility, pelvic issue, or unexplained infertility.
How this cycle works and monitored?
- Schedule an appointment on your 2nd / 3rd day of menstrual cycle for ultrasound examination and certain blood tests before getting ready for the treatment
- Doctor will decide exact dose of gonadotropin medication after checkup. It comes in the form of powder which is then mixed with the sterile water to inject
- You can take these injections by yourself under the skin. Self-injecting might be arduous and intimidating task but don’t worry our nurses will guide you on the call or in person any time
- You need to visit the clinic for ultrasound examination throughout the cycle to determine the number and size of follicles in ovaries and to check on the ovaries whether they are getting stimulation or not
- Ultrasound will help to reduce the risk such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
- Once it is confirmed that eggs are enough mature now then, trigger injection to release the egg from the ovaries. Ovulations occurs within 36-40 hours after injecting trigger.
How gonadotrophins helps in IUI Intrauterine Inseminations?
Firstly, In IUI, washed sperms are directly placed inside the woman’s womb which increase the chances of pregnancy. For IUI, usually oral drugs like clomiphene/letrozole are used for stimulation of ovaries. But sometimes when oral drugs fail to stimulate ovaries for formation of mature egg, the gonadotrophins are used to stimulate ovaries which can give better results. Sometimes doctor recommends IUI in amalgamation with gonadotropins which boosts the chances of pregnancy.
At Sneh Hospital, our doctors provide counselling service to our valuable patients which they need the most at every stage, where they guide our patients for the next successful step. Our team stays at every juncture with the patients throughout the parenthood journey until it gets successful.