Medications Used to Treat Infertility

Understanding the medications used to treat infertility helps you go into your IVF cycle informed and less anxious. Each medication in your protocol has a specific job — stimulating egg development, preventing premature ovulation, triggering egg release, or supporting the uterine lining after transfer. Here’s a plain-language breakdown of the main categories and the products most commonly prescribed.

What Medications Are Used to Treat Infertility?

1. FSH — Follicle Stimulating Hormone

FSH is the foundation of most IVF protocols. It stimulates the ovaries to develop multiple follicles — each containing a maturing egg — instead of the single egg produced in a natural cycle. FSH medications are given as subcutaneous (under the skin) injections, usually starting on day 2 or 3 of your cycle and continuing for 8–12 days.

The most commonly prescribed FSH medications available through Fast IVF include:

• Gonal-F — contains follitropin alfa, a recombinant FSH. Comes in a pre-filled pen for easy self-injection.
• Fostimon — contains urofollitropin, a purified urinary FSH. Given subcutaneously.
• Puregon — contains follitropin beta, another recombinant FSH option (equivalent to Follistim in the US).

For a deeper look at how FSH medications compare, our Gonal-F guide covers dosing, storage, and what to expect during stimulation.

2. HMG — Human Menopausal Gonadotropins

HMG medications contain equal amounts of FSH and LH (luteinizing hormone). The LH component is thought to improve egg quality in some patients, which is why many protocols combine an HMG medication with a pure FSH drug. HMG is administered as a subcutaneous injection.

Commonly used HMG medications include:

• Menopur — the most widely used HMG medication globally. Available in 75 IU and 600 IU formats through Fast IVF.
• Meriofert — a cost-effective HMG alternative to Menopur with the same active ingredients.

For more on how HMG medications work and when they’re used alongside FSH drugs, see our menotropins guide.

3. GnRH Antagonists – Preventing Premature Ovulation

During stimulation, there’s a risk that your body triggers its own LH surge too early — releasing eggs before retrieval. GnRH antagonists block this from happening. They’re introduced mid-stimulation, usually when follicles reach a certain size, and continue until the trigger shot is given.

The two main antagonists used in IVF are:

• Cetrotide (Cetrorelix) — given as a daily subcutaneous injection.
• Orgalutran (Ganirelix) — same mechanism, different molecule. Also a daily injection.

Our Ganirelix vs Cetrotide comparison explains the differences between the two and how clinics choose between them.

4. HCG – The Trigger Shot

Once your follicles have reached the right size, your doctor will prescribe an HCG trigger shot. This mimics the body’s natural LH surge and triggers the final maturation of eggs before retrieval. Timing is critical — the trigger is given exactly 34–36 hours before your scheduled retrieval.

HCG trigger medications available through Fast IVF include:

• Ovitrelle (Ovidrel) — contains choriogonadotropin alfa, a synthetic HCG. Pre-filled subcutaneous injection.
• Choriomon — urinary-derived HCG. Given as a subcutaneous injection.

For more on how the trigger shot works and what side effects to expect, see our IVF trigger shot guide.

5. Progesterone – Luteal Phase Support

After egg retrieval and embryo transfer, progesterone is used to thicken and maintain the uterine lining to support implantation. If the body doesn’t produce enough progesterone naturally after retrieval, supplementation prevents the lining from breaking down before the embryo can implant.

Progesterone support options include:

• Progestan 200mg — oral or vaginal capsule. The European-brand equivalent of US products like Prometrium and Endometrin.
• Progestan 100mg — lower dose option used in some protocols.
• Crinone gel — a vaginal gel applied directly with a pre-measured applicator.

Progesterone supplementation typically continues for 8–10 weeks if a pregnancy is confirmed. See our progesterone in oil for IVF guide for more on how different forms compare.

6. GnRH Agonists – Long Protocol Suppression

In longer IVF protocols, GnRH agonists are used to temporarily suppress natural hormone production before stimulation begins. This gives the clinic full control over your cycle timing. Leuprolide (Lupron) and Gonapeptyl are the most common options.

• Lupron — available in daily injection and depot formats through Fast IVF.
• Gonapeptyl — pre-filled leuprolide option used in daily suppression protocols.

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), individualized medication protocols — tailored to a patient’s age, diagnosis, and ovarian reserve — consistently produce better outcomes than one-size-fits-all approaches. Your reproductive endocrinologist will build your protocol based on your specific bloodwork and ultrasound findings.

Once your protocol is set, Fast IVF can fill your entire medication order with European-brand products at prices significantly lower than US pharmacies. Check our full product catalog or get a free price quote to see what you’d save on your cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions About IVF Medications

How do I know which IVF medications my protocol will include?

Your reproductive endocrinologist decides based on your ovarian reserve (AMH and antral follicle count), age, diagnosis, and how you’ve responded to treatment before. A standard first cycle usually includes an FSH medication, an antagonist, a trigger shot, and progesterone support. Some patients also use an HMG like Menopur alongside their FSH drug. Your clinic will give you a written protocol before your cycle starts.

Do IVF medications need to be refrigerated?

Some do, some don’t — and mixing them up can affect potency. Menopur, Choriomon, and most liquid-form medications require refrigeration. Pre-filled pens like Gonal-F can often be stored at room temperature for a limited period after first use. Our complete refrigeration guide covers every major IVF medication so you know exactly how to store what you order.

How do I inject IVF medications at home?

Most stimulation medications are subcutaneous injections — injected into the fatty layer of the lower abdomen with a small needle. They’re designed to be self-administered. Fast IVF has a full library of injection instruction videos covering all major medications. Watching one before your first injection significantly reduces anxiety and improves technique. For tips on minimizing bruising, see our IVF injection bruising guide.

Can I order IVF medications before my cycle starts?

Yes — and ordering early is recommended. Shipping typically takes 3–5 business days, and you want your medications on hand before stimulation begins. You’ll need a valid prescription from your doctor. Once you have it, submit it to Fast IVF and your order will be processed and shipped. See our FAQ & Policies page for full details on the prescription and ordering process.

How much can I save by ordering IVF medications through Fast IVF?

Most patients save 50–80% compared to US retail pharmacy prices. A full stimulation protocol that costs $5,000–$7,000 at a US pharmacy can often be filled for $1,500–$3,000 through Fast IVF. The medications are identical in active ingredient and quality — the price difference comes from European pharmaceutical pricing regulations. Check our IVF medication costs guide for a detailed breakdown.