Ovulation Induction
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What is ovulation induction?
Ovulation induction is the process of using medications to stimulate ovulation in women who have irregular or absent ovulation (anovulation). According to the National Institutes of Health, 25 to 30 percent of women with infertility have problems with ovulation.
Normal ovulation occurs when the ovary releases a mature egg in preparation for that egg to be fertilized. Normal ovulation occurs roughly once every 28 days during a woman's menstrual cycle. Intervals of 21 to 35 days are considered acceptable and reflective of normal ovulation. If fertilization does not occur, the mature egg and any supplementary tissues are broken down and cleared from the uterus naturally.
When ovulation happens less than once every 35 days or is unpredictable, it is considered to be irregular. When ovulation is completely unpredictable – in interval or duration – it is considered oligoovulation. If it doesn't occur at all, it is called anovulation. Ovulatory problems impact fertility by taking away the predictability of ovulation and potentially the availability of an egg to be fertilized.
The goal of ovulation induction is to increase a woman's chances of conceiving a child, either through sexual intercourse or by using intrauterine insemination (IUI) or another fertility treatment. However, when the absence of ovulation is a symptom of another fertility issue, treating the underlying problem can also restore normal ovulation and fertility.
Who requires Ovulation Induction?
Ovulation induction is a common treatment for women with absent or infrequent ovulation. It also works with IVF to stimulate multiple eggs for collection.
How Does Ovulation Induction Work?
Medications (e.g. clomiphene, letrozole, gonadotropins) stimulate the ovary to produce and release eggs. Monitoring ensures correct timing for intercourse, IUI, or egg retrieval.
Ovulation Induction Procedure
Ovulation induction typically follows these steps:
Initial fertility evaluation
Assessment of hormones and cause of anovulation.
Medication and monitoring
You start medication; ultrasound and sometimes blood tests monitor follicle growth.
Trigger and timing
When follicles are ready, a trigger shot may be used. Timed intercourse, IUI, or egg retrieval is scheduled accordingly.
Benefits of Ovulation Induction
Improves chances of pregnancy in anovulation
Noninvasive and relatively low cost
Can be used with IUI or IVF
Effective first-line treatment for many
Ovulation Induction Success Rate
Success depends on the cause of anovulation, age, and whether it is combined with IUI or IVF. Approximately 25% of female infertility stems from ovulation problems; ovulation induction is often beneficial and cost-effective.
Risks and Possible Complications
Ovulation induction medications can sometimes cause OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome). Side effects may include:
Recovery After Ovulation Induction
No significant recovery is needed from the medications. If you proceed to IUI or egg retrieval, recovery follows that procedure.
Cost of Ovulation Induction
Ovulation induction is usually lower cost than IVF. Cost includes medications and monitoring. Our team will provide a clear estimate.