What is ovulation induction?
Ovulation induction involves taking medication to induce ovulation by encouraging eggs to develop in the ovaries and be released, increasing the chance of conception through timed intercourse or artificial insemination.
Who is induction of ovulation suitable for?
It is most suitable for women who are producing low levels of hormones for ovulation or who are not ovulating at all but have normal fallopian tubes and the male partner has a normal semen analysis.
Medications for Induction of Ovulation
Medications used in ovulation induction can include:
- Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid), Letrozole (Femara)
Oral medications used to induce ovulation in women who do not ovulate on their own by encouraging the body to produce more follicle stimulate hormone (FSH). Most commonly used if a woman has irregular or long menstrual cycles. - Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
Hormone injections of FSH can be used to stimulate the number of follicles that develop in the ovary and therefore the number of eggs that are ovulated during a cycle. Another hormone hCG may be used in injection form to trigger ovulation once the follicles have developed
The Ovulation Induction Process
Assessment
Dr Farag will assess your ovulation cycle with blood tests to measure hormone levels at specific stages of your cycle; and an ultrasound to see the development of follicles in the ovaries and thickness and appearance of the uterus lining.
Stimulation
Your ovaries are stimulated with medications to promote the growth of follicles containing eggs. Dr Farag will discuss with you the most appropriate medication or combination of medications for your situation.
Monitoring
Your cycle is monitored very closely with ultrasounds and/or blood tests to check the number and size of follicles developing, this is essential to reduce the risk of a multiple pregnancy.
Timed intercourse or artificial insemination
Near the time of ovulation Dr Farag will advise the most appropriate day to have sexual intercourse to maximise your chance of pregnancy or perform an intrauterine insemination where prepared sperm is inserted into the uterus.