One of the most common questions I hear is: “What can I take to boost my fertility?” People want to know what they can take medically or naturally to improve their chances of getting pregnant.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the most common fertility medications, the role of natural supplements, and how to decide what makes sense for your body and your journey.
When it comes to medications, there are really three main categories:
- Oral medications (pills) – like Clomid or Letrozole, which stimulate the ovaries to grow and release eggs.
- Injectable medications (hormone shots) – which help the ovaries produce multiple eggs in a single cycle, are sometimes used with intrauterine insemination (IUI).
- IVF medications – a combination of injectable hormones with additional drugs to carefully control ovulation and prepare the uterus for embryo transfer.
Fertility drugs are the most common treatment for women who are infertile due to ovulation disorders. They mimic the body’s natural hormones — follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) — to trigger ovulation and improve egg development.
What Are the Most Common Oral Fertility Medications?
The first option many women try is oral medication. These are simple pills, but they can make a big difference for women who don’t ovulate regularly.
The most common ones are:
- Clomiphene citrate (Clomid) – this tricks the brain into thinking estrogen levels are too low. In response, the pituitary gland releases more FSH and LH, which push the ovaries to grow and release an egg.
- Letrozole (Femara) – lowers estrogen levels by blocking its production, which also tells the brain to make more FSH. It’s often recommended for women with PCOS.
- Tamoxifen – works in a way similar to Clomid, though it’s used less often.
Prenatal vitamins are also important, though they don’t improve ovulation directly. Instead, they help reduce miscarriage risk and prevent birth defects. The CDC recommends at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily for women of childbearing age.
How Do Injectable Fertility Medications and IVF Drugs Work?
If pills aren’t enough, the next step is usually injectable medications — hormone shots. These are stronger and designed to help the ovaries grow multiple eggs in a single cycle.
Gonadotropins — hormone injections like FSH (and sometimes LH) — stimulate the ovaries directly. Common names you might hear are Menopur, Gonal-F, and Follistim.
Other medications often come into play as well:
- hCG (Pregnyl, Ovidrel) – acts like the body’s natural LH surge, telling the ovaries when to release an egg.
- GnRH antagonists (Ganirelix, Cetrotide) – prevent eggs from releasing too early.
- Progesterone – supports the uterine lining so an embryo can implant.
In IVF, we use a careful combination of these medications to get the right number of eggs, prevent premature ovulation, and support the uterus for embryo transfer.
When Should You Start Fertility Medications?
So when should you actually start thinking about fertility drugs? A lot depends on your age and your history.
If you’re under 35 and have been trying for a year without success, that’s usually the point where we recommend a work-up. If you’re 35 or older, that window shortens to six months. And if you already know there are issues — maybe you don’t ovulate regularly, your tubes are blocked, or sperm counts are very low — it’s best to seek help right away. These are the same timelines the CDC uses in its guidelines.
But here’s the important part: medications only help if sperm, eggs, and tubes can all do their jobs. If sperm and egg can’t meet because a tube is blocked, or if there aren’t enough healthy sperm, no amount of pills will fix that. That’s why it’s just as essential to get evaluated as it is to talk about medication.
What Are the Side Effects and Risks of Fertility Medications?
Like any medical treatment, fertility drugs can have side effects. Most are mild, but it’s important to know what to expect.
Clomid can sometimes cause hot flashes or mood swings, and with long-term use, it may thin the uterine lining. Letrozole usually has fewer side effects but can make some women feel tired.
With injectables, the main thing we watch for is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) — when the ovaries produce too many eggs and fluid builds up in the body. Most cases are mild, but severe OHSS can require close monitoring (NEJM).
There’s also the chance of multiples (twins or more). That may sound like a blessing, but multiple pregnancies carry higher risks for both mother and baby. That’s why close monitoring and careful dosing are so important.
Do Natural Supplements and Prenatal Vitamins Boost Fertility?
It would be wonderful if there were an over-the-counter supplement that reliably boosted fertility. The reality is, most products marketed that way don’t have strong evidence behind them.
The clear exception is prenatal vitamins. Prenatal nutrition guidance recommends that women trying to conceive take vitamins that include:
- Folic acid lowers the risk of neural tube defects by up to 70%.
- Iron helps your body handle the 50% increase in blood volume that comes with pregnancy.
- Calcium supports your bones and your baby’s skeletal development.
One thing to be careful with is vitamin A. Too much synthetic vitamin A from supplements can cause birth defects. Natural vitamin A from food sources like carrots isn’t a problem, but it’s a reminder that “more” isn’t always better.
Can You Combine Natural and Medical Fertility Treatments?
It’s common for people to ask, “Can I take supplements and medications together?” The answer is yes — but only if your doctor knows what you’re taking.
Some herbal supplements can interfere with ovulation or throw off the timing of fertility treatment. Women who take multiple supplements without telling their doctor may even be more likely to have worse outcomes.
So if you want to try natural options alongside medication, make sure your specialist is part of that decision. The safest plan is always the one you create together.
When Should You See a Doctor Before Taking Fertility Medications?
Sometimes people want to try pills or supplements on their own before coming in. I understand that — but here’s why it’s not a good idea.
Early consultation with a fertility specialist can save couples months or even years of frustration. If sperm counts are very low or fallopian tubes are blocked, no amount of Clomid or supplements will make a difference.
The bottom line: don’t suffer in silence. Even a simple evaluation can bring clarity, help you avoid wasted time, and give you peace of mind about your next steps.
Why Are Prenatal Vitamins Important Before and During Pregnancy?
Prenatal vitamins are one of the easiest, most effective things you can do when planning pregnancy.
Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects. Calcium and iron are also essential, since pregnancy increases blood volume by up to 50% and places extra demands on bone and muscle health.
If swallowing large pills is difficult, chewables or gummies (without THC) are a fine option before pregnancy. Once you’re pregnant, you’ll likely need to switch to a full prenatal to get the higher levels of iron.
I often tell patients to think of prenatals as building a buffer — a foundation your body can draw from during the 40 weeks of growing another human being.
Key Takeaway
There’s no single pill or supplement that guarantees pregnancy. What works best depends on your diagnosis, your body, and your goals. Fertility medications like Clomid, Letrozole, and gonadotropins have strong evidence behind them. Prenatal vitamins are universally recommended. Other supplements lack proof and may even interfere with treatment.
The most important step? Work with a fertility specialist you trust. With the right guidance, you’ll know not just what to take — but what’s truly going to help you on your journey to building a family. We are here to help. Click here to schedule your appointment and check out our latest video on boosting fertility on YouTube.
