Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) has become a vital option for couples dealing with severe male or unexplained infertility. This advanced technique involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg, improving the chances of fertilization. While the procedure itself is highly specialized, the role of medications before and during the cycle is equally important for successful outcomes.
Couples in Lahore often wonder what medications are prescribed during ICSI treatment and why they are necessary. These medications are carefully chosen by fertility specialists to prepare the body, regulate hormones, and maximize the chances of a healthy pregnancy.
1. Ovarian Stimulation Medications
The first step in ICSI treatment involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. Commonly used medications include:
- Gonadotropins: Such as FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) or a combination of FSH and LH, which help the ovaries develop multiple follicles.
- Clomiphene Citrate or Letrozole: Oral medications that may be used in certain cases to encourage egg production.
These drugs allow fertility specialist to retrieve more than one egg, increasing the chances of fertilization.
2. Medications to Prevent Premature Ovulation
During stimulation, it’s important to control when ovulation occurs. For this reason, doctors often prescribe:
- GnRH Agonists or Antagonists: These regulate hormones and prevent premature release of eggs before retrieval.
This ensures that egg collection can be done at the right time.
3. Trigger Shot
When the follicles reach the desired size, a trigger injection is given to mature the eggs fully. Common trigger shots include:
- hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) or
- GnRH agonist trigger in specific cases.
Egg retrieval is scheduled 34–36 hours after this injection.
4. Medications for the Male Partner
Although ICSI focuses on the use of sperm, sometimes men are prescribed supportive medications such as antioxidants or hormone treatments to improve sperm quality before the procedure.
5. Progesterone Support After Egg Retrieval
Once the embryos are created and transferred, the body needs support to maintain the uterine lining. Doctors prescribe:
- Progesterone Injections, Pills, or Vaginal Gels to prepare the uterus for implantation.
This medication continues until pregnancy is confirmed and sometimes into the early weeks of gestation.
6. Additional Medications if Needed
In some cases, fertility doctors in Lahore may recommend:
- Aspirin or blood-thinning medications to improve blood flow to the uterus.
- Antibiotics before egg retrieval to reduce the risk of infection.
- Steroids in select cases to improve implantation chances.
Final Thoughts
The medications used during ICSI fertility treatment in Lahore are designed to create the best possible environment for successful fertilization and embryo development. Each prescription is tailored to the couple’s specific medical history, test results, and treatment plan. With the right medical guidance, these medications play a crucial role in improving the chances of a healthy pregnancy through assisted reproduction.
