Fertility Medications 

What Are Fertility Medications? 

Fertility medications are prescription drugs designed to help your body release eggs or improve ovulation timing. They can be taken orally or by injection, depending on your needs and how your body responds to treatment. 

Our board-certified reproductive endocrinologists (REI) and advanced practice providers (APP) tailor every plan to your unique situation, using comprehensive hormone testing, ultrasound monitoring, and evidence-based science and medicine to guide every step.  

For many people like you, fertility medications are the first key to unlocking pregnancy—either on their own or alongside other fertility treatments such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF). 

Clomid: A Trusted Starting Point for Ovulation Induction 

Clomiphene citrate (brand names Clomid and Serophene) is one of the most commonly prescribed fertility medications for those who ovulate irregularly or unpredictably. It helps your body produce more of the hormones that support egg growth and release—follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). By encouraging ovulation, Clomid increases the chance of conception. 

When you’re preparing for a Clomid cycle, contact our office on the first or second day of your period (or the next business day if it begins on a weekend). One of our nurses will review your cycle plan, schedule an ultrasound, and send your prescription to the pharmacy. 

If your periods are absent or irregular, we may first prescribe progesterone to induce bleeding. After a short course of progesterone, your period should begin, and you’ll start Clomid on the fifth day of your cycle. 

Most pregnancies that result from Clomid happen within the first three to four cycles. If conception hasn’t occurred by then, your physician will meet with you to review next steps—whether that’s another medication or a new approach entirely. 

Uncommon but Possible Side Effects of Clomid 

Clomid is well tolerated by most patients, but mild side effects can occur, including: 

• Hot flashes 

• Mood changes or irritability 

• Breast tenderness 

• Nausea 

• Vaginal dryness 

These effects are usually temporary and resolve quickly once treatment ends. If they become uncomfortable, your provider can adjust your dosage or recommend a different medication. 

Letrozole: An Effective Alternative to Clomid 

Letrozole (brand name Femara) is another oral fertility medication that can stimulate ovulation. It’s part of a group of medications known as aromatase inhibitors, which work by lowering estrogen levels to encourage your body’s natural release of FSH and LH. 

Letrozole is often recommended for those who haven’t responded to Clomid or who experience specific hormonal imbalances, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). 

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), letrozole achieves similar pregnancy rates to Clomid and may help patients who didn’t ovulate on Clomid.* 

When combined with low doses of injectable fertility medications (FSH), it can enhance follicle development while lowering medication costs and minimizing the risk of overstimulation. 

Possible Side Effects of Letrozole 

Letrozole can cause mild, short-lived side effects, such as hot flashes, headaches, or breast tenderness. These are related to the temporary drop in estrogen levels and typically resolve within a few days. 

Letrozole is usually taken for five days early in the cycle, and your provider will track your response through bloodwork and ultrasounds to ensure your treatment is both safe and effective. 

Gonadotropins: Injectable Fertility Medications 

When oral medications aren’t effective—or when a more advanced approach is needed—your care team may recommend injectable fertility medications, also called gonadotropins. These injections contain natural or recombinant forms of FSH and LH that directly stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. 

Injectable medications are often used in conjunction with intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) and offer a more controlled level of stimulation than oral medications alone. A fertility specialist will demonstrate exactly how to self-administer these injections, provide clear written instructions, and ensure you feel confident before you begin. 

Most gonadotropins come in prefilled pens or cartridges, so there’s no need for mixing or measuring. Treatment typically begins early in your menstrual cycle and is closely monitored with blood tests and ultrasounds. When your follicles reach maturity, an hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) injection triggers ovulation—timed precisely to maximize your chances of conception. 

Who Benefits from Injectable Fertility Medications? 

Gonadotropins may be recommended for: 

• Individuals or couples who haven’t conceived with Clomid or Letrozole 

• Patients over 35 who need more robust ovarian stimulation 

• Those preparing for advanced treatments like IVF or IUI 

These medications are highly effective when carefully monitored, allowing for controlled follicle growth and improved egg quality. 

Understanding the Risks—and How We Keep You Safe 

Because gonadotropins stimulate multiple follicles, they carry a slightly higher risk of multiple pregnancy and Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). 

According to ASRM, mild OHSS occurs in about 10–20% of cycles and resolves on its own, while severe OHSS occurs in about 1% of cycles.** If you experience these symptoms, contact your provider immediately. Symptoms may include: 

• Abdominal bloating or swelling 

• Nausea or vomiting 

• Rapid weight gain 

• Shortness of breath 

At Fertility Specialists of Texas, we take a preventive approach. Your team will monitor you closely with ultrasounds and hormone tests to fine-tune your medication dosage and minimize risks. If needed, we may delay your ovulation trigger or freeze embryos for later transfer—ensuring your safety always comes first. 

Other minor side effects, such as injection site tenderness or mood swings, usually resolve quickly. Importantly, ASRM research confirms no link between gonadotropin use and an increased risk of cancer.** 

Our Evidence-Based and Compassionate Approach to Fertility Medications 

At Fertility Specialists of Texas, every fertility medication plan follows the most current ASRM Practice Committee guidelines. Your REI will help you understand every option, balancing success rates, costs, comfort, and emotional readiness. Our goal is to empower you to make decisions that feel right—for your body, your family, and your future. 

Emotional Support Every Step of the Way 

Fertility treatment is more than a medical journey—it’s deeply human. The ups and downs of trying to conceive can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. 

Our team is here for more than science or medicine. We’re here to answer your questions, celebrate your progress, and help you stay hopeful on days when things feel uncertain. From your first consultation to the moment you see your next positive test, we’ll walk with you through every high and low with compassion and care. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Fertility Medications 

How do fertility medications work?

Fertility medications help your body ovulate or release healthy eggs. Oral options like Clomid and Letrozole signal your brain to produce key reproductive hormones, while injectables like gonadotropins directly stimulate the ovaries to mature multiple eggs. 

Are fertility medications safe?

Typically, yes. When prescribed and monitored by a fertility specialist, these medications are safe and effective. According to ASRM, severe OHSS occurs in fewer than 1% of cases, and there’s no proven link between fertility medications and increased cancer risk.** 

What happens if fertility medications don’t work?

If pregnancy doesn’t occur after several cycles, your reproductive endocrinologist may recommend moving to an advanced treatment like IUI or IVF. Each decision is guided by how your body responds, ensuring the next step fits your specific needs and goals. 

Welcome to a Hopeful and New Beginning  

Every person who walks through our doors has their own story—a story of longing, resilience, and courage. Fertility medications are more than pills or injections; they’re a bridge between where you are today and the family you’ve been dreaming of. 

At Fertility Specialists of Texas, we don’t take that journey lightly. We’ll meet you with expertise, compassion, and unwavering support—helping you feel empowered and cared for at every stage. 

If you’re ready to explore fertility medications or learn which treatment is right for you, reach out today. Together, we’ll help you take your next hopeful step forward. 

*Source: ASRM- Evidence-based treatments for couples with unexplained infertility 

**Source: ASRM-Side effects of injectable fertility drugs