Metformin for Infertility

Couples who are unable to conceive, despite indulging in unprotected sex for a period of one year, must consult a reproductive endocrinologist immediately. A variety of medical conditions could be responsible for causing fertility problems in women, and there is a great need to identify the underlying cause at the earliest. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, structural abnormalities in the reproductive organs and hormonal imbalance are some of the common causes of infertility in women. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a condition that is characterized by the development of several cysts over the ovaries. Out of the various drugs that may be suggested for the treatment of infertility, metformin is often prescribed by fertility specialists, especially for treating infertility in women suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome. In this article, we will find out more on why doctors may prescribe metformin for infertility treatment along with information on the effectiveness of metformin as a fertility drug.

Metformin and Infertility Treatment
Metformin is a drug which is sold under the trade name 'Glucophage'. Doctors usually recommend the use of this drug for those who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or any medical condition wherein high insulin levels may be a contributory factor. Metformin is an insulin sensitizing agent, that helps in lowering the elevated insulin levels. However, fertility specialists, either recommend just the use of metformin as an infertility treatment option, or in combination with other fertility drugs for the treatment of PCOS.

Before moving on to the reason why metformin is used for treating PCOS, let's understand how PCOS affects one's ability to conceive. As mentioned earlier, PCOS is characterized by the development of cysts on the ovaries. Ovulation, which is a process associated with the release of ovum from the ovary, gets adversely affected due to the presence of such cysts. Since fertilization of the ovum and the sperm, is necessary for a woman to conceive, irregular ovulation due to this ovarian condition, certainly lowers the chances of conception in such women.

Usually, doctors may prescribe fertility drugs such as Clomid, Ganirelix, Repronex or Lupron, for inducing ovulation, so as to help such women conceive. Metformin is mainly prescribed for PCOS patients who are unable to conceive even after taking Clomid or other fertility drugs. The reason why doctors may prescribe metformin for the treatment of infertility, is due to the elevated levels of insulin that accompany high levels of androgens in women who have been diagnosed with PCOS. It is believed that development of cysts may be due to excessive production of male sex hormones by the ovaries, which in turn, could be caused due to elevated levels of insulin or increased secretion of the luteinizing hormone by the pituitary gland.

Unlike the other fertility drugs, that directly induce ovulation, metformin sensitizes the body to the normal insulin levels, thereby, preventing the increased production of insulin, that may occur as a result of insulin resistance. Once the levels of insulin normalize, the levels of the androgenic hormones as well as the luteinizing hormones will also decrease, which in turn, would help in regularizing the ovulation cycle. Depending on the condition of the patient, doctors may only prescribe metformin or prescribe it in combination with other fertility drugs. It is believed that use of metformin, may also lower the risk of miscarriage in women suffering from PCOS.

Side Effects of Metformin
A majority of women, for whom, polycystic ovarian syndrome is the only contributory factor, have certainly benefited from the use of metformin. If other factors may be dampening the chances of conception, metformin may be used in combination with other fertility drugs. There is however, a great need to adhere to the prescribed metformin dosage for infertility. As is the case with all drugs, an overdose of metformin, may adversely affect one's health. Side effects of metformin are mostly gastrointestinal in nature. One may experience abdominal discomfort, nausea, bloating, diarrhea, abdominal cramps or pain. This drug may also affect the absorption of vitamin B12. Though lactic acidosis is not a common side effect associated with the use of this drug, there is a need to monitor the effects of this drug on one's overall health. FDA has placed metformin under the category B, which means that use of this drug may not cause harm to the fetus. There is a lack of conclusive evidence on its effects on pregnancy, since metformin has only been tested on animals. This is the reason why, reproductive endocrinologists exercise caution while prescribing it during pregnancy.

This was some information on the benefits and side effects of metformin. The use of metformin can certainly increase one's chances of conception, especially if elevated insulin levels or insulin resistance is the main factor that is preventing one from getting pregnant. One, must, however, make sure to take this drug as per the advice of the doctor. If one experiences any untoward effects, one must immediately report them to the doctor.