Fertility treatments: clear options and what to expect

Thinking about fertility treatments? Good — knowing the options and real risks will save you time and stress. This page gives practical steps, explains common drugs and procedures, and points you to useful articles on our site so you can act with confidence.

Start with tests and a plan

First step: get basic tests. For women, that usually means blood work (AMH, FSH) and an ultrasound to check ovarian reserve and uterus. For men, a semen analysis is standard. These results help decide whether simple treatments (like ovulation drugs) or advanced care (IUI or IVF) makes sense.

Age is the single biggest factor. Fertility drops noticeably after the mid-30s. If you’re under 35 but have irregular cycles, try ovulation induction first. If you’re over 35, ask about accelerating to IUI or IVF after a short trial of simpler methods.

Common treatments, what they do, and risks

Ovulation drugs: Clomiphene (clomiphene citrate) and letrozole help trigger ovulation and are often the first step. Gonadotropins are injectable hormones used when oral meds fail or when you need stronger stimulation. These drugs raise pregnancy chances but can cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and increase the chance of twins.

IUI (intrauterine insemination): Sperm is placed directly in the uterus around ovulation. IUI is less invasive and cheaper than IVF but works best when sperm quality is a limiting factor or ovulation is the issue.

IVF (in vitro fertilization): Eggs are retrieved, fertilized in a lab, and embryos are transferred to the uterus. IVF gives the highest chance per cycle but costs more and involves more monitoring, injections, and procedures.

Side effects and safety: Watch for abdominal pain, bloating, or rapid weight gain — signs of OHSS. Multiple pregnancies are a real risk with some stimulation treatments. Also, discuss any existing meds (for example, blood pressure drugs) with your specialist — some drugs are unsafe in pregnancy.

Practical tips

- Keep a treatment journal: track meds, dates, side effects, and clinic visits. It helps you and your doctor spot patterns.
- Ask about monitoring: good clinics use ultrasound and blood tests to adjust doses and reduce OHSS risk.
- Budget and timeline: expect several months to a year depending on the path. Ask your clinic for realistic success rates based on your age and tests.
- Medication safety: only take fertility drugs prescribed and explained by your doctor. If you buy meds online, verify the pharmacy and prescription.

Where to learn more

Read our detailed guide on fertility drugs for women for drug names, dosing, and risks. If you have other meds or health issues, see our article on medicine safety during pregnancy. When you’re ready, prepare questions for your specialist: success rates for your age, risks, total costs, and the clinic’s monitoring schedule.

Fertility treatment choices are personal. With clear tests, a solid plan, and careful monitoring, you can choose the path that fits you best.