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GnRH Agonists -
Lupron, taken as an injection just below the skin and Synarel, a
nasal spray, allow the body to produce a greater number of high
quality eggs during the treatment cycle. They also prevent the
mid-cycle hormonal surge that can result in the cancellation of a
cycle.
Antagonists
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Antagon and Cetrotide are antagonists of gonadotropin releasing
hormone (GnRH) and are used to prevent premature ovulation. These
medications are given by injection and the duration of treatment is
usually three or four days.
Gonadotropins -
Gonadotropins are taken as subcutaneous injections that provide
stimulation to the follicles that contain the eggs during the
stimulation phase. Gonal F, Bravelle, Follistim, Pergonal and
Repronex are the most commonly used gonadotropins.
hCG -
hCGs are taken as an intramuscular injection and are used to
induce the final maturational changes in the eggs and prepare them
for retrieval. The most commonly prescribed hCGs are Pregnyl,
Profasi and Novarel.
Medrol
- Medrol is a steroid hormone given daily, typically for a period of
four days during the cycle, to assist pre-embryo implantation.
Doxycycline
- Doxycycline, an antibiotic administered in pill form, is given to
the male partner during the wife's stimulation cycle to reduce the
low levels of bacteria that may be found in the semen and which may
compromise the performance of the sperm during an IVF cycle. It is
also given to the female partner to reduce the risk of infection
following aspiration of the follicles at the time of egg retrieval.
Progesterone - Natural Progesterone may be taken as a daily
intramuscular injection beginning two days after egg retrieval and
continuing until the placenta is making adequate amounts of
Progesterone. Progesterone can also be given in the form of a
vaginal gel or vaginal suppositories or pills (Prometrium).
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