Hope in a Bottle

Finding Fertility Success with Non-Fertility Medications

By Teri Brown

Women dealing with fertility issues have traditionally been steered a certain direction when it comes to medication. The most commonly used infertility medications are clomiphene citrate (Clomid), gonadotropin-releasing hormones and different types of progesterone substances. Women now have a wider range of choices as doctors discover that some non-fertility medications have a positive impact on fertility, allowing couples to conceive for the very first time.

Kathy Boshart of Lincoln, Neb., is hoping that a non-fertility medication will work for her. She has a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and is slightly insulin resistant. She takes Metformin, a medication commonly used for diabetes. Her doctors are hoping that the medication will help regulate her blood sugar and, in turn, regulate her hormones. "The doctor says that Metformin will 'fix' what is not working with me, and after it's fixed, I'll be able to get pregnant," she says. "I'm also following a diabetic meal plan. If I cut back on the carbs, then I won't have so much sugar in by blood, and maybe then my hormones won't be out of whack, and they can get back to normal and start causing ovulation."

Several medications commonly used for other things have proven highly successful at treating fertility. Medications such as Letrozole, Thiazolidinedione and Lupron – all used to treat breast cancer, prostate cancer and diabetes – have been shown to promote fertility. In order to find out if these medications can help, a detailed history must be taken along with a comprehensive physical examination, followed by blood tests and ultrasounds.

Dr. Fady Sharara, medical director of the Virginia Center for Reproductive Medicine in Reston, Va., believ

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• Herbs for Infertility: Do You Know Your Options?
• Talk about it!