I have to start taking Lupron injections next week, and I want to know what the chances are of becoming pregnant while on Lupron. I have not been able to find a great deal of information on this topic.

Season

Lupron is a GnRH-agonist. This class of drug works in the pituitary gland, a small organ sitting at the base of the brain. It binds to a site on the gland that triggers the release of LH and FSH, the hormones that stimulate the ovary. When you begin taking Lupron, any LH and FSH already stored in the pituitary will be released, but further production and release of these hormones is blocked. This suppression of LH and FSH blocks the growth of the ovarian follicle and the egg and results in less estrogen production by the ovary.

The initial release of FSH and LH may be sufficient to cause one last ovulatory cycle before the drug suppresses ovarian activity completely. So, the greatest risk for ovulation is during the first two or three weeks after the first injection. To be on the safe side, you should use backup protection during the first month of treatment. After that the risk of pregnancy is minimal.

Lupron can also be given as a daily injection along with Follistim or Humegon for ovulation induction treatment cycles to treat infertility. In these treatment cycles, pregnancy is the goal. There appears to be no increased risk of fetal anomalies associated with this treatment.