Typically when people think of oral fertility medications, they think of Clomid. Clomid is often the first line of defense when it is believed that a woman has issues with fertility. Many women do not realize that another drug,Femara, can also be successful in the treatment of fertility issues. Femara is increasingly being used as a fertility treatment.
Femara and Infertility
While Clomid has been used for years in fertility treatment, it is not ideal for everyone. Clomid can stay in a woman’s system for an extended period of time, which is problematic for some women. Additionally, some women do not respond well to the treatment. Femara provides an additional treatment option for these women.
Femara works differently than Clomid. Clomid blocks estrogen receptors which stimulates the body to produce additional hormones. Femara blocks production of the enzymes necessary for estrogen production which in turn also stimulates the body to produce additional hormones. Although the end results are the same, the different methods can make a difference in how a person responds.
Depending on a woman’s medical needs, she may be prescribed Femara as a part of her treatment program. The medication can be used with timed intercourse, intrauterine insemination, or minimal stimulation IVF protocols.
Femara Effectiveness
Research has shown that Femara has success rates that meet or exceed that of Clomid. Additionally, there was no difference in the chance of miscarriage or the development of a pregnancy with multiples. However, research showed that the rate of birth defects is three times higher. Because of the increased risk, many fertility centers do not use Femara as the first line of treatment.
Side Effects of Femara
As with many fertility medications, side effects have been associated with the drug. Although side effects are mild and resolve in a short time, they may include:
- Hot flashes
- Headaches
- Tenderness in the breasts
For additional information on the use of Femara and infertility treatments, contact the team at Kofinas Fertility Group today.