Treatment for female infertility

Problems with ovulating. If your doctor finds that you have a problem with ovulating, he or she may first recommend that you try the medicine clomiphene (Clomid, Serophene, Milophene). This medicine (which you take as a pill) stimulates your ovaries to release eggs, so it improves your chances of getting pregnant. It is often tried first because it is considered safe and effective.
Clomiphene has more side effects than gonadotropins but clomiphene costs less, has a lower risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, and is less likely to result in a pregnancy with more than one baby.
If you're not ovulating because of a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), your doctor might suggest you take a drug such as metformin in combination with clomiphene. For more information, see treatment of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Unfortunately, clomiphene does not always work. Typically, hormone shots are the next medication tried. You and your partner can weigh the risks and benefits of proceeding to this next step. You start the first series of daily shots at the beginning of your menstrual cycle. You will probably have mild side effects, such as feeling sick to your stomach and bloating. Some women have more serious side effects due to multiple, large ovarian cysts (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome). While clomiphene increases your chance of having twins or triplets (especially twins), women who take hormonal injections are even more likely to have twins, triplets, or more babies.