Q: For the last two years I've been trying to conceive. In this regard I've been consulting my doctor. He had prescribed me Duphaston tablets (two tablets per day from day 16 to day 25 of my cycles) for three months. Since I did not get pregnant, now he has prescribed me Ovofar (two tablets per day from 2nd day to 6th day of my cycle) & Orgamed (one tablet per day; Day- 18 to 25). While surfing the net, I came to know that Orgamed is not safe for the fetus and acts as a contraceptive. When I am trying for pregnancy is it safe to take Orgamed tablets?

A:In the absence of results of any tests done to determine the cause of infertility, it is not possible to give a definitive reply. One crucial question: has your husband been tested? Too often doctors keep on chasing the cause in women when the actual problem lies elsewhere! However the purpose and roles of various medicines given to you are as follows: Duphaston is the brand name of a medicine called dydrogesterone (a kind of progesterone). It is one of the two female hormones, the other being oestrogen. It is given in those cases of female infertility where there is inadequate luteal phase. The usual dose is 10mg (two tablets) from Day 11 to 25 for at least six months. If conception takes place, the treatment is continued during pregnancy for about 12 weeks. I do not know why the therapy was stopped after three months. Ovofar is the brand name of a medicine called clomiphene. The medicine is also sold under other trade names such as Ovipreg and Siphene. It is not a female hormone but stimulates a hormone in the brain which in turn stimulates ovulation (the production and release of eggs). Naturally this medicine is given to women who suffer from ovulatory failure. Before giving clomiphene it is necessary to exclude other causes of infertility and also ensure that the woman is producing enough quantity of oestrogen. The medicine can be given on any day of the cycle. In the first cycle the dose is one tablet. If conception does not occur, in the 2nd cycle the dose is increased to 2 tablets for five days. The medicine should be taken for no more than three cycles. Orgamed is one of the brand names of medroxyprogesterone. It is also sold under the brand name of Meprate. It is a female hormone (progesterone). The hormone is secreted during the luteal phase and hence is similar to dydrogesterone (Duphaston) treatment. It is true that this medicine acts like a contraceptive in fertile women but it is also given for infertility when there is inadequate luteal phase. The issue is if it has any use once dydrogesterone (Duphaston) did not succeed. Unless a firm diagnosis of the cause of infertility (both in male and female) is established, it is not possible to suggest any course of action.