When you're trying to conceive and things aren't happening as planned, fertility medication, prescription drugs designed to stimulate ovulation or improve reproductive hormone balance. Also known as ovulation inducers, these medications are often the first step before more invasive treatments. They’re not one-size-fits-all. What works for one person might not work for another, and the differences between them matter more than you think.
Two of the most common fertility meds are Clomid (clomiphene citrate), a pill that tricks the brain into producing more follicle-stimulating hormone and Letrozole (Femara), an aromatase inhibitor originally for breast cancer that’s now widely used off-label to trigger ovulation. Clomid has been around for decades and is cheaper, but Letrozole often has higher pregnancy rates in women with PCOS. Then there are gonadotropins, injectable hormones like FSH and LH that directly stimulate the ovaries—they work faster and stronger, but cost more and need close monitoring. Each option has trade-offs: side effects, cost, success rates, and how much your body has to handle.
It’s not just about picking the strongest drug. It’s about matching the medication to your body’s needs. If you have insulin resistance or PCOS, Letrozole might be your best shot. If you’ve tried Clomid without success, switching to Letrozole could be the turning point. If your ovaries aren’t responding at all, gonadotropins might be next. And if you’re worried about multiple births or cost, that changes the equation too. You don’t need to guess—there are real-world comparisons out there showing exactly how these drugs stack up in terms of ovulation rates, live birth outcomes, and side effects like hot flashes, mood swings, or ovarian hyperstimulation.
Below, you’ll find detailed side-by-side comparisons of the most common fertility treatments, including how they work, what real users report, and how they compare in cost and effectiveness. No marketing fluff. Just facts from people who’ve been through it, and the data that backs it up. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve tried one option already, this collection gives you the clarity you need to talk to your doctor with confidence.
A detailed comparison of Fertogard (clomiphene) with letrozole, gonadotropins, and other alternatives, covering efficacy, side effects, cost, and how to choose the right option.