• 4 Sep, 2026 - 01:20 PM
• Dr. Padmini Karnatham, M.Pharm., Ph.D.

Fertility Medicines: Separating Facts from Myths

Fertility Medicines: Separating Facts from Myths - What Indian Patients Should Know

Trying to get pregnant can be an emotional journey. Many couples look for information about fertility medicines online. They may read different opinions about the same medicine.

 

Some websites promise quick results. Some social media posts say that a particular tablet can 'increase fertility' in everyone. This can create confusion.

 

The truth is that fertility medicines work differently for different people. The appropriate fertility medication depends on the nature of the fertility issues, the patient's age, menstrual cycle, hormone profile, ovarian function, and the planned treatment protocol.

 

Medicines should be used only after advice from a qualified fertility specialist.

 

What Are Fertility Medicines? Types and Uses in India

Fertility medicines are used as part of fertility treatment. Fertility drugs can be used to induce ovulation, support hormone production, or facilitate IVF treatment.

 

Pharmacological intervention is not required in all patients with fertility problems.

 

A fertility specialist may first check the menstrual cycle, hormone levels, ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes. A semen analysis may also be advised for the male partner. The treatment is then selected based on the findings.

 

Some fertility treatments use tablets. Others use injections. IVF treatment could require several types of drugs at different stages.

 

5 Common Fertility Medicine Myths - And the Facts

Myth 1: Fertility Medicines Can Make Anyone Pregnant

Fact

Fertility drugs do not guarantee pregnancy.

There could be many reasons for infertility. (explore fertility products on Apothecare)

Fertility treatments could consist of lifestyle modifications, drugs, IUI, surgeries, or even IVF depending on the case.

These may include problems with ovulation, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, male-factor infertility, or unexplained infertility.

The treatment should match the cause. A medicine that helps one patient may not be useful for another.

 

Myth 2: Duphaston Is a Fertility Booster for Everyone

Fact

Duphaston(view Duphaston on Apothecare) contains dydrogesterone, a progestogen. It is prescribed for certain conditions related to progesterone activity. 

Duphaston may be prescribed in some patients with female infertility or other hormone-related conditions. However, it is not a general fertility booster for every woman.

The reason for prescription is important. The dose and duration also vary depending on the individual case.

Progesterone supplementation should not be self-administered and should not be taken with a friend's or relative's prescription. It should not be discontinued or started on one's own.

 

Myth 3: Progesterone Is Only Needed After Pregnancy

Fact

Progesterone could be essential in fertility treatment.

Progestogens are a class of drugs that could be used in different parts of the fertility treatment process. Progesterone is a natural hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy and has many vital functions. In both IVF/ICSI cycles, luteal phase support with progesterone is recommended by the 2025 ESHRE guideline. However, the treatment varies depending on the individual or the type of cycle, and there are several progesterone supplements available.

The form, dose and duration may vary. Your fertility specialist will determine what is right for your treatment.

 

Myth 4: More Fertility Medicine Means Better Results

Fact

Taking more fertility drugs does not mean a higher chance of getting pregnant.

The amount of fertility drugs is important. Medications used during IVF are given to stimulate a woman's ovaries to produce eggs. The physician performs frequent ultrasounds to check the patient's response to the medication.

Too much ovarian stimulation can increase the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This is one reason IVF treatment requires medical monitoring.

Never increase the dose yourself. Never take another person's fertility injection.

 

Myth 5: IVF Medicines Are the Same for Every Patient

Fact

IVF medicine plans can be different for different patients.

IVF may involve medicines for ovarian stimulation, control of the treatment cycle, final egg maturation, and luteal support.

The choice and dose can depend on several factors — including ovarian reserve, age, previous treatment response, and the risk of complications.

The latest ESHRE ovarian stimulation guideline provides recommendations covering ovarian stimulation, pituitary suppression, final oocyte maturation, luteal support, and prevention of OHSS.

So, an IVF medicine plan should be individualised.

 

What Medicines Are Used During IVF Treatment in India?

IVF treatment may involve different types of medicines:

1. Ovarian Stimulation Drugs

Ovarian stimulation drugs help your ovaries produce follicles and usually come as injections. The doctor monitors the ovaries during treatment.

2. Medicines to Control Ovulation Timing

Certain medicines are used during an IVF cycle to prevent premature ovulation. The choice depends on the IVF protocol.

3. Trigger Medicines for Egg Maturation

A trigger medicine may be used to help final egg maturation before egg collection. The timing is important. Patients should follow the exact instructions given by the fertility clinic.

4. Progesterone Support After Egg Collection

Progesterone may be used after egg collection as luteal phase support. ESHRE recommends progesterone for luteal support after IVF/ICSI.

 

What Are Fertility Injections? Are They Right for You?

Fertility injections can be an important part of some fertility treatments. They are not suitable for everyone.

 

The dose must be decided by a fertility specialist. Ultrasound monitoring may be needed to check how the ovaries are responding.

 

Patients should not change the injection dose on their own. They should also not compare their dose with another patient's dose. Two patients can have very different treatment plans.

 

Are Fertility Medicines Safe? Side Effects and Monitoring

Fertility drugs can be used safely when they are properly prescribed and monitored. However, as with all medicines, they have potential side effects.

 

The patient may experience side effects such as headache, nausea, breast tenderness, abdominal discomfort, or mood swings depending on the drug.

 

IVF stimulation medicines can also increase the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Severe OHSS is uncommon, but it can be serious. This is why monitoring during IVF is important.

 

If you develop severe abdominal pain, marked abdominal swelling, breathing difficulty, vomiting, or other worrying symptoms during fertility treatment, contact your fertility clinic promptly.

 

Should You Take Fertility Medicines Without a Prescription in India?

No. Fertility medicines should not be self-medicated. This is especially important for hormone tablets and fertility injections.

Before starting any medication, your doctor will go over your medical history and test results.

For example, Duphaston is a prescription medicine in India. Its use and dose should be decided by a doctor.

Do not buy fertility medicines simply because someone online says they worked for them. Your fertility problem may have a different cause.

 

When Should You Speak to a Fertility Specialist in India?

If you have been trying to get pregnant and it is not happening, talk to a fertility specialist. They can figure out what's going on and help you find the right treatment.

Evaluation may include:

• Menstrual and medical history

• Hormone testing

• Ultrasound

• Assessment of the uterus and fallopian tubes

• Ovulation assessment

• Semen analysis

• Other tests when needed

 

ASRM notes that infertility evaluation commonly looks at both partners and may include reproductive history, physical examination, hormone tests, ultrasound, assessment of the reproductive organs, and semen analysis.

 

Early medical advice can help avoid unnecessary medicines and delays.

 

Fertility Medicines: What They Can and Cannot Do

The important point is simple: the right fertility medicine depends on the right fertility diagnosis.

 

How to Avoid Fertility Medicine Myths Online

Before you believe anything you read online about fertility medicine, stop and ask yourself:

• Is this information from a credible medical source?

• Does it actually fit my situation?

• Has my doctor said this medicine is right for me?

• Does it even mention risks or side effects?

• Is it promising a guaranteed pregnancy?

 

Be careful with websites or social media posts that promise a '100% success rate' or claim that one medicine works for everyone.

 

Trusted fertility guidelines are a better source of information. ESHRE publishes evidence-based guidelines for reproductive medicine, including IVF ovarian stimulation.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Fertility Medicines in India

1. Will Duphaston help me get pregnant?

Duphaston (Dydrogesterone) is sometimes prescribed for women dealing with certain progesterone-related fertility issues. It is not a universal fertility drug and is not available for general use without a prescription. The decision to use this medication should lie with your doctor.

 

2. Should fertility drugs be taken without a doctor's supervision?

No. The choice of fertility drugs and the treatment plan is based on the underlying cause of infertility and the patient's condition. Many fertility medicines are contraindicated in certain conditions. Never take them without consulting a fertility specialist. (understand why a valid prescription matters)

 

3. Does progesterone support fertility treatment during IVF?

Progesterone for luteal phase support after IVF and ICSI is recommended by the ESHRE guideline. However, the type of preparation and the treatment plan can vary for different patients.

 

4. Do fertility injections guarantee pregnancy?

No. Fertility injections are used in combination with other procedures and medications as part of a treatment plan. It is necessary to follow all recommendations from a fertility specialist to improve the chances of conception.

 

5. Can fertility medicines cause side effects?

Yes. Side effects depend on the medicine and the patient. IVF stimulation medicines can increase the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Contact your fertility clinic if you develop severe or unusual symptoms during treatment.

 

Final Takeaway

Fertility medicines can be an important part of fertility treatment. But there is no single medicine that works for everyone. Duphaston, progesterone medicines, and IVF injections all have specific uses. They should be used for the right patient and for the right reason.

 

Do not follow fertility medicine advice from social media alone. Do not change your dose without speaking to your doctor.

 

If you are having difficulty becoming pregnant, a proper fertility evaluation is the best first step. Once the reason is established, your doctor will discuss which therapies are most appropriate for your case.

 

The safest fertility medicines are those that have been prescribed to you and administered under the supervision of a specialist.

 

Medical disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Fertility medicines are prescription medicines in many settings and should be used only under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.