IUI Medications
Most IUI cycles use oral meds (Clomid or Letrozole) + a trigger shot, sometimes followed by progesterone support. The exact combination depends on your diagnosis, age, and how your body responds.
1. Ovulation-Stimulating Medications
These help your ovaries grow and release a healthy egg (or sometimes more than one).
Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid)
How it works: Stimulates the ovaries to release 1–2 eggs by blocking estrogen receptors, which increases FSH production.
How it’s taken: Oral pill taken for 5 days starting on CD 2-4.
Side effects: Hot flashes, headaches, mood swings, thin uterine lining in some women.
Letrozole (Femara)
How it works: Lowers estrogen temporarily, which triggers the brain to release more FSH to stimulate the ovaries.
How it’s taken: Oral pill taken for 5 days starting on CD 2-4.
Side effects: Hot flashes, headaches.
Though very well studied and safe, letrozole for ovulation induction is FDA off-label use.
Preferred in PCOS patients due to better outcomes.
Gonadotropins (FSH injections)
Examples: Gonal-F, Follistim, Menopur
How they work: Directly stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple follicles.
How they’re taken: Daily subcutaneous injections, starting early in the cycle.
Side effects: Bloating, risk of ovarian hyperstimulation, higher risk of multiples (twins, triplets).
2. Trigger Shot
This medication is used to induce final egg maturation and control ovulation timing, so the IUI can be scheduled precisely.
hCG Trigger
Examples: Ovidrel, Pregnyl, Novarel
How it works: Mimics the natural LH surge, causing ovulation about 36 hours later.
How it’s taken: Single injection, typically when at least one follicle reaches 18–20mm.
Side effects: Temporary bloating, possible mild pain at the injection site.
3. Luteal Phase Support
Some clinics prescribe progesterone after IUI to support the uterine lining and help implantation.
Progesterone
Forms: Vaginal suppositories (Endometrin), gels (Crinone), or oral/injectable
How it works: Prepares and maintains the uterine lining after ovulation.
Side effects: Bloating, fatigue, mood changes, breast tenderness.
What’s Typically Prescribed?
Natural cycle IUI: No meds, just ovulation tracking.
Clomid or Letrozole cycle: Oral meds + possible trigger shot.
Injectable (gonadotropin) cycle: Daily injections + trigger shot, with more monitoring.
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