Medication for Fertility
Thanks to rapid scientific and medical advances over the last decades, there is a wide range of medications available today to treat almost any medical condition – including an extensive list of medications specifically created to address many of the different causes of infertility in both men and women.
Whether you are looking for specific medication for ovulation, or to boost sperm count or for sperm motility, or medications to help you fall pregnant, there are options available in the highly specialised field of fertility treatments.
Given that there is a risk in taking any kind of medication, it is vitally important that you take only the right medication for your unique fertility challenges, and that this medication is obtained from specialists with expert knowledge.
Read on to find out how to make sure you are taking the right medications and where you can obtain these medications safely, as well as great tips for ensuring your health and safety when taking medications.
The Right Medication for Infertility
While it would solve our modern-day quest for instant gratification, there is no single one-size-fits-all medication that will help every couple facing fertility challenges.
The reason is simply that there are many possible causes of infertility that could affect the female partner or the male partner; and, in some cases, both the male and female partners.
For example, common causes of female infertility include Abnormal Thyroid, Anovulation, Blocked Fallopian Tubes, Cervical Factor, Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Endometriosis, Hyperprolactinaemia, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Uterine Factor, Stress, and Advanced Maternal Age. Similarly, male infertility may be caused by the sperm, the testes themselves, the ducts that lead out from the testes, a functional problem in relation to sexual activity, hormonal issues or genetic problems.
The only way you can be assured of taking the right medicine for your and your partner’s unique fertility issues, is to find out exactly what the cause is.
Pinpointing the exact cause of your fertility challenges can only be achieved through an initial consultation with a fertility specialist. A 30 – 60 minute initial consultation is your first step in any infertility treatment plan, including the specific medications and treatments you may require.
During your initial consultation at Medfem Fertility Clinic, a highly qualified and experienced fertility specialist will do an extensive review of your medical history; perform a comprehensive infertility physical exam and blood tests; detail a broad range of infertility treatment options, including fertility medications; and provide in-depth explanations and answers to all your questions.
This will ensure you are getting the right medication for your fertility issues, while taking into consideration the interaction of fertility medications with other medications you may be taking.
Where to get Fertility Medications
The medications used to treat many fertility challenges are highly specialised and many of these medications are not immediately available at regular retail pharmacies.
It is therefore strongly recommended that you obtain fertility medications from a dedicated fertility pharmacy, experienced in providing medications that may require special storage and specialised in knowledge of the conditions being treated.
Medfem Fertility Clinic Pharmacy is one of very few dedicated fertility pharmacies in South Africa, focussed on meeting the unique needs of individuals with fertility challenges, specialising in the accurate delivery of medication for infertility and working closely with the doctors at Medfem Fertility Clinic.
Medfem Fertility Clinic Pharmacy’s specialised focus on fertility treatments since 1992 means its pharmacy team has worked with thousands of patients undergoing fertility treatment and has been privileged to witness thousands of amazing success stories. Our expert fertility pharmacists will always fill your order in person and are available to answer any of your questions, help you understand and manage side effects of the medications and ensure you are comfortable with your medication schedule.
Our dedicated patient care team includes qualified and experienced pharmacists Alida Venter; Val Rowles; Trish Howitt; Sonelle Basson; and Mareina Basson. This expert team is available six days a week and can be contacted on +27 (11) 463 6842.
Recommended Over-the-Counter Medications for Fertility
Medfem Fertility Clinic’s fertility experts recommend the following regarding over-the-counter medications:
* StaminoGro (HGH Releaser and Mitochondrial Enhancer) – both partners to take four tablets at night.
* Comega Vite – both partners to take two at night before going to bed.
Please click here to read more about these supplements and why they boost fertility in both men and women.
Top Tips For Using Medication Safely
All medication entails some risk.
To get the maximum benefit and to reduce the risks related to using medication – including fertility medication – you and your partner should participate proactively in the decisions made with your fertility specialist, medical team and pharmacists regarding your medication.
Below are some top tips from the FDA (US), highlighting how important it is that you speak up, ask questions, follow directions and report back to your fertility team to maximise the benefits and minimise the risks of fertility medications.
Speak Up – The more information your fertility treatment team has about you, the better they can pinpoint the right medication for you. Provide full and honest details of your medical history; any allergies and sensitivities; medications you take routinely and occasionally – both prescription and over-the-counter; supplements you use, including vitamins and other therapies; and anything that may affect your ability to use the fertility medication.
Ask Questions – Make sure you understand the medication you are taking. Here are some questions you should always ask:
* How and when must the medication be taken, in what amount and for how long?
* What must be done if you miss a dose?
* What other medicines (prescription or over-the-counter), dietary supplements, drinks, foods, activities or therapies should be avoided while taking the medication?
* How long before you can notice a difference or improvement?
* Will testing be required to monitor the effects of the medication?
* Could there be adverse reactions or side effects? What must be done if you experience adverse reactions or side effects?
* How must the medication be stored and when is the expiration date?
If you don’t understand an answer, ask again.
Follow Directions – When using any medication, follow the directions printed on the label to the letter. Every time you fill your prescription, read the label before you leave the pharmacy to ensure you have the right medication and understand how to use it. Also read the label every time you take the medication, making sure it’s the right medicine and that you are taking it in the right amount, in the right way and at the right time. Also be sure to take the recommended dose exactly as prescribed – don’t be tempted to use more or less, or to stop taking the medication before the course is finished.
Report Back to your Fertility Team
– Pay attention to how the medication affects you and notify your fertility team of any problems. Don’t stop taking the medication without checking with your fertility team, as some medications take longer to show a benefit, and others may need to be reduced gradually to decrease undesirable effects. If you experience any side effect, let your fertility team know immediately. An adjustment in the dosage or a change in medication may be needed.
Our team at Medfem Fertility Clinic – from accredited and extensively experienced fertility specialists; and trained, qualified theatre staff, nurse practitioners and clinical psychologists; to specialist pharmacists and friendly administration staff – are standing ready to help you pinpoint what fertility medication or treatments you require to ensure the best chance of becoming pregnant.
Simply click here to book an initial consultation or contact us telephonically on +27 (11) 463 2244.
We look forward to meeting you!