In some cases, it may be necessary for you to take medications to induce ovulation if your cycles are not regular or to improve them, especially if you are older. The medications most commonly used are clomiphene citrate and gonadotropins.

Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid, Serophone) A tablet that is used most often for women who have infrequent periods or long menstrual cycles. This medication is taken for 5 days at the beginning of your cycle.

Gonadotropins (Repronex, Follistim and Gonal-F) These are injectable medications and contain human hormones produced by the pituitary gland (LH and FSH) and are used to stimulate ovarian follicular development.

Injections usually begin on day 3 of the menstrual cycle and continue for several days until the developing follicles are approximately 18-20 millimeters in diameter. Daily dosage, and the length of time needed for adequate stimulation, varies from patient to patient, and from cycle to cycle. Most patients will receive injections for approximately 8 days. These compounds are used in women who do not ovulate, or did not respond to Clomiphene Citrate.

An injection of hCG is given to cause ovulation when ultrasound measurements indicate appropriate follicular development. All of these compounds are excreted from the body and will leave no long lasting effects on the menstrual cycle. Remember these hormones are naturally produced by the pituitary gland, they are chemically the same, they are not synthetic (man-made) like Clomiphene Citrate.

Potential other side effects can include: ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), ovarian cysts, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, weight gain (usually mild), irritation at the injection site, and multiple births.

Multiple births occur about 20 to 25% of the time.