Obviously, birth control pills (BCPs) are normally prescribed to prevent unwanted pregnancy. However, they are also useful in assisted reproductive technology cycles.

BCPs are administered in the cycle prior to ovulation induction and their effect is to suppress FSH and LH production. This suppression is caused by the presence of estrogen and progesterone found in birth control pills.

Because they suppress ovulation, BCPs prevent the formation of unruptured ovarian cysts and “prepare” the ovaries for the ovulation induction cycle.  The ovaries should be free of cysts prior to beginning an ovulation induction cycle. BCPs also increase the predictability of the menstrual cycle.

Severe pelvic infections, also known as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), can cause devastating effects on the reproductive organs. Infection can scar or destroy the delicate fallopian tubes and damage the ovaries and uterus. In many of these cases, the damage is irreversible leading to sterility.

One of the most common causes of PID is the sexually transmitted organism Chlamydia. Chlamydia can be present in the male or female producing few or no symptoms. Organisms including syphilis and gonorrhea can also cause PID although this is less common than Chlamydia.

There are many antibiotics that are very effective in treating PID and the key is early treatment. Symptoms, such as pelvic pain or vaginal secretions must never be ignored and physician treatment must be sought.

Fertility Drug Links

• Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate)
• Letrozole (Femara)
• FSH (Gonal-F, Follistim, Repronex, Bravelle, Menopur)
• Lupron, Ganirelix
• Progesterone
• hCG (Pregnyl, Ovidrel)
• Metformin (Glucophage)
• Bromocriptine (Parlodel)