Egg freezing medications help make fertility preservation possible
The team at our Tennessee fertility clinic uses several common egg freezing medications to help patients with preserving their fertility. These medications support the maturation of eggs and prepare them for the eventual retrieval.
Our team will refer patients to specialty pharmacies where they can purchase these medications. We will also provide detailed instructions that explain how to self-administer these prescriptions.
A look at egg freezing medications that our doctors typically prescribe
The team at our Tennessee fertility clinic helps women learn how to take all the medications they’ll need during the various phases of their egg freezing cycle. Each medication plays an important role in the cycle’s success.
Medications for stimulating ovarian follicles and egg maturation. Women will take follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) medication for 10 to 13 days. This medication causes the ovarian follicles to grow and the eggs to mature. Follistim and Gonal-F are common brand names.
Doctors also commonly prescribe a menotropin. This is a combination medication that contains FSH and luteinizing hormone (LH). Menopur is the most common brand name.
Egg freezing medications that prevent ovulation. Women take a GnRH-antagonist medication to prevent the ovaries from releasing the eggs. Common brand names are Ganirelix and Cetrotide.
Medications to prepare the eggs for retrieval. Once the follicles are an ideal size, the woman takes a hCG medication that triggers the final maturation of the eggs. The doctor then retrieves the eggs 35 to 36 hours later. Common brand names are Ovidrel, Novarel and Pregnyl. Some doctors use Lupron as a trigger shot, although it is not a hCG medication.
Our staff provides consistent support during the egg freezing process to help women have a positive experience.
What can patients expect from monitoring?
An important part of an egg freezing cycle is monitoring. This monitoring occurs at our Tennessee fertility clinic. The goal is to assess the woman’s hormone levels and the growth of ovarian follicles. In some cases, the doctor adjusts a woman’s medications after receiving the results of the evaluations.
Bloodwork. Women receive a blood test at each monitoring appointment. The results allow the doctor to assess her hormone levels, which provides information about the growth of eggs. A blood test can also help to confirm that the woman is not going to ovulate.
Ultrasounds. Doctors use ultrasound to count the number of follicles that are maturing and measure their size.
A chance to check-in. Monitoring appointments also provide a chance for us to ensure the woman has all her questions answered and has enough medication.
Our staff is by the woman’s side through each step of this exciting journey to fertility preservation. Contact us for more information about egg freezing medications.
