Side Effects of Fertility Drugs

Are you expecting a baby, but not getting pregnant? Don't worry, there are many ways to get pregnant quickly , one of them is with fertility drugs . Well, before using the drug, first consider the various possible risks and side effects of the following content-fertilizing drugs.

Mild side effects of fertility drugs

For women who have difficulty conceiving, fertility drugs can be the first step in treatment. These drugs increase the body's hormone levels that regulate the fertile period (ovulation) so that you are more likely to get pregnant. Although fertility drugs are proven to be safe and effective, there are risks and side effects that may occur.

The emergence of risks and side effects depends on which fertility drugs are used, how high the dose of the drug is, and the state of your body. Side effects of fertility drugs are difficult to predict before you try to use them. According to Very Well, the risk that usually occurs due to fertility drugs is being pregnant with twins (two or more twins).

Here are the various types of fertility drugs and their side effects.

1. Clomiphene citrate (clomid)

Clomiphene citrate increases two important hormones, namely follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone. These two hormones make the egg mature and ready to be released into the fallopian tube so that it is more easily fertilized by sperm. Possible side effects of this drug include:

• Hot flashes
• Stomach bloating and pain
• Weight gain
• Headache
• Mood changes
• Nauseous
• Dizzy
• Breasts become more sensitive
• Dry pussy
• Unnatural menstrual bleeding

2. Gonadotropin

Gonadotropins work the same way as clomid. However, this drug is only used for women with PCOS who do not work with other fertility drugs or women undergoing IVF. Possible side effects of fertility drugs containing gonadotropins are:

• Headache
• Nausea and stomach ache
• Respiratory tract infection
• Bloated stomach
• Boils appear
• Mood changes
• Weight gain
• Pain and redness at the injection site
• Dizzy
• Unnatural menstrual bleeding

3. Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist & antagonist

Both drugs are used to control ovulation specifically in women undergoing IVF procedures. However, its use is only recommended for the short term. Possible side effects of GnRH agonists such as Lupron include:

• Hot flashes
• Headache
• Mood changes, such as anxiety and frustration
• Vaginal dryness
• Appears swelling
• Joint pain
• Nauseous
• Stomach ache
• Weight gain
• Decreased sex drive
• Dizzy
• Pain and redness at the injection site

Possible side effects of GnRH antagonists include:

• Headache
• Nausea and stomach ache
• Unnatural menstrual bleeding

Severe side effects of fertility drugs

In addition to mild side effects that can go away on their own, the use of fertility drugs can also cause severe side effects. Fortunately, this rarely happens. So, always consult a doctor first before using fertility drugs.

1. Impaired vision

Women taking clomid or letrozole are at increased risk for visual disturbances. If you experience black floaters (black patches in your vision) and blurred vision followed by headaches while taking the drug, consult your doctor. Usually the disturbance will disappear once the drug is stopped.

2. Ectopic pregnancy

Women who take gonadotropins are at increased risk of an ectopic pregnancy, which is a pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus. This condition endangers the life of the fetus. If signs of severe hip pain, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain occur during pregnancy, see your doctor as soon as possible. These are most likely signs that you have an ectopic pregnancy.

3. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)

Some fertility drugs can stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs than usual. This can increase a woman's risk of developing OHSS. This condition threatens fertility and a person's life because it can cause kidney failure and blood clots.

How to minimize the side effects of fertility drugs?

The side effects of fertility drugs are impossible to get rid of completely, but the symptoms can be alleviated. Always consult a doctor to minimize the presence of signs. Usually, the doctor will give you a lower dose of medicine first, so it won't cause more effects than just taking a higher dose of medicine.

Reporting from The Bumps, several drugs that can minimize the side effects of fertility drugs are antidepressants and paracetamol. Regular exercise and acupuncture can help you minimize symptoms of mood swings.