Fertility Pills: Side Effects, Risks & What to Expect

Fertility pills are prescribed to women who have difficulty conceiving naturally. These pills stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs, thus increasing the chances of a successful conception. Though many women have conceived successfully by taking fertility pills, there are a number of possible side effects associated with the pills. Side effects include hot flashes, nausea, vomiting, headaches and vision problems. Some women experience enlarged ovaries or ovarian cysts as a result of fertility pills.

Hot Flashes

• Women who take fertility pills have reported hot flashes as a side effect of the drug. Hot flashes are a feeling of mild to intense heat accompanied by sweating and a rapid heartbeat.

Nausea and Vomiting

• Fertility pills can cause gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea and vomiting. Abdominal bloating and discomfort are also possible side effects.

Vision Problems

• A reported side effect of fertility pills is blurred or impaired vision. Vision problems are sometimes accompanied by headaches that range in severity.

Enlarged Ovaries

• Because fertility pills target the ovaries to stimulate ovulation, a side effect of fertility pills is enlarged ovaries. Enlarged ovaries can cause sharp abdominal pain.

Ovarian Cysts

• Taking fertility pills has been shown to increase a woman's risk of developing ovarian cysts. These cysts are usually not cancerous and subside after treatment ends.