What Are Gonadotropins?

Gonadotropins are the two naturally produced hormones in our body - luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). In individuals where dysfunction of this pituitary hormone causes infertility, it can be given as a medication. There are various preparations of Gonadotropins. The recombinant and urinary Gonadotropins are the commonly used variants.

Who can Be Benefited with Gonadotropins Treatment?

If your body does not respond to the first-line treatment of the fertility drug Clomiphene citrate or Letrozole.
If your FSH and LH levels are not sufficient for natural ovulation
If used along with intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) for a better result by producing multiple eggs.

Gonadotropins Treatment

It involves:

A series of blood tests and scans were done on the 2nd to 5th day of a menstrual period.
The drug is injected under the skin daily for about 7 to 12 days. Your doctor can vary the dosage and days of Gonadotropins injection depending upon the test and scan results.
Again during these days, some more tests and scan will be performed to monitor the hormone levels and the follicle growth status.
The injections are stopped, once the follicles are large enough.
Then another injection of hCG is given to trigger the release of the egg into the fallopian tube
Doctors advise you to perform intercourse 12 to 36 hours after the hCG injection or in case of IUI procedures, then around 24 to 36 hours post the hCG injection.

Side-effects

Up to 30 % chances of conceiving multiples, which increases the risk of miscarriage and other related complications.
Some develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome or OHSS, which happens due to the production of too many eggs causing the ovaries to swell and accumulate fluid around the abdomen, heart or lungs.
Irritation at the injection site
Bloating
Mood swings