Follitsim is brand name for a type of drug called a gonadotropin. Gonadotropins are fertility medications that contain certain hormones, which can help stimulate a woman’s ovaries to mature multiple eggs at one time. They’re typically used in if you’re undergoing IUI (intrauterine insemination) or IVF (in-vitro fertilization).
Follitsim is a synthetic gonadotropin, which basically means it was created in a lab, instead of using natural hormones (some other drugs’ hormones are derived from urine — and purified, of course!).
If you’ve got a fear of needles, you’re going to have to get over it to take Follitsim. It and other gonadotropins are typically administered using a thin needle inserted just underneath the skin. Your doctor will probably advise you to take it every day for about one to two weeks. Side effects could include injection site irritation, bloating, mood changes, ovarian hyperstimulation and getting pregnant with twins (or more!). Gonadotropins are usually used for about a week or two, during which time you’ll have frequent ultrasound and bloodwork monitoring, to make sure the stimulation is going along as planned.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
