Fertility Medication: What Works, What to Avoid, and How to Choose

When you’re trying to get pregnant and it’s not happening, fertility medication, prescription drugs designed to stimulate ovulation or improve reproductive hormone balance. Also known as ovulation induction agents, these medications are often the first step before more complex treatments like IVF. They’re not magic pills—they’re tools, and like any tool, they work best when used correctly and with the right guidance.

Two of the most common types are clomiphene, a pill that tricks the brain into producing more follicle-stimulating hormone to trigger egg release and its newer cousin, enclomiphene, a purified version that may offer fewer side effects and better hormone control. Then there’s hCG, a hormone injection that mimics the body’s natural LH surge to release a mature egg. These aren’t interchangeable. Clomiphene is usually tried first because it’s oral and cheaper. hCG comes in when you need a precise trigger, often after other meds have done their job.

But fertility meds aren’t risk-free. Some women get multiple eggs, raising the chance of twins or triplets. Others feel moody, bloated, or even experience ovarian hyperstimulation. That’s why they’re not sold over the counter—and why you need a doctor who tracks your response with blood tests and ultrasounds. Skipping monitoring just to save time or money can backfire fast.

What you won’t find in most ads are the alternatives that aren’t drugs at all. Lifestyle changes—like managing weight, cutting back on alcohol, or reducing stress—can improve fertility on their own. And sometimes, the real issue isn’t ovulation at all. It’s low sperm count, blocked tubes, or thyroid problems. That’s why a full workup matters before you even start taking pills.

The posts below don’t just list drugs. They show you how enclomiphene stacks up against clomiphene, how hCG fits into a bigger plan, and why some people end up switching meds after side effects. You’ll see real comparisons—not marketing hype. Whether you’re just starting out or feeling stuck after a few rounds, these articles give you the facts to ask better questions and make smarter choices.