To achieve dreams of having a successful pregnancy, many patients undergo fertility treatment, in vitro fertilization (IVF). Ovulation Induction is one of the crucial stages of IVF, But People also use it as a fertility treatment on its own. So what is Ovulation Induction treatment? Want to know in detail? Then here we go!
Ovulation Induction
General Information
Ovulation Induction Treatment
Ovulation Induction (OI) is a fertility treatment that utilizes medications to cause or regulate ovulation, or grow the number of eggs produced during a cycle, to increase the chance for pregnancy. Ovulation Induction involves taking oral or injectable medications. The medication is usually taken at the beginning of the menstrual cycle.
‘’Ovulation Induction is an essential part of the IVF process, also the ability to initiate and control the ovulation cycle helps increase success rates of IVF.’’
Note – Your progesterone level is usually checked six to eight days after you ovulate.
Understanding the process of Ovulation Induction
The ovaries are stimulated with medication to promote the growth of follicles containing the eggs, and then the response of the ovaries is monitored with ultrasounds/ blood tests, to control the size and quantity of follicles, these tests are used to determine a baseline- indicating your natural hormones levels and your medication start date. To assist with the final maturation of the egg and loosening of the egg from the follicle wall, an injection of Human chorionic gonadotropin (A hormone associated with pregnancy) – the trigger may be administered. A pelvic ultrasound is performed near ovulation time to show developing follicles and determine the appropriate days to have sexual intercourse to maximize the chance of fertilization.
‘’Blood samples are collected at various stages of the cycle to measure hormones levels.’’
Ovulation Induction Medications
The use of fertility medications encourages the production and maturation of multiple eggs, increasing the chances of successful conception. The medications that are mainly used consist of both tablets you take by mouth and injectable medications. They may include:
Gonadotropins
This injectable medication induces the release of matured eggs after the follicles have developed. They are fertility medications that contain Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or luteinizing hormone (LH) alone or in combination and gonadotropins are given by injections. The success rate depends upon multiple individual factors.
Clomiphene citrate
Glucophage
Letrozole
Who Needs Ovulation Induction?
If the woman is not ovulating by herself, having irregular periods then ovulation induction may be required. Ovulation induction helps women with fertility challenges conceive. If you’re using IVF to increase your chances of conceiving, ovulation induction will be a key part of the process.
The most common causes of failure to ovulate are:
- Stress
- Weight fluctuations
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) The most common cause of anovulatory infertility is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Go through this blog post to know about PCOS- http://ivfspring.com/fertility-conditions/polycystic-ovaries-and-infertility/, you should talk to your doctor if you’ve have been failing to conceive for 12 months or more (for those under 35) or for six months or more (for those over 35).
‘’Ovulation Induction should not be performed more than 3 or 4 cycles without achieving a pregnancy’’.
‘’30 to 40% of women have problems with ovulation’’.
Ovulation Induction In Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome often have anovulatory infertility, but it can be solved by ovulation induction. Ovulation induction is not recommended for women with PCOS who have a BMI greater than 35 and not all women with PCOS are responsive to ovulation induction medication- clomiphene citrate. 60% of women with PCOS become pregnant without even medical help, so make sure you see your doctor and discuss the possibilities.
Risks associated with Ovulation Induction
Side effects are rare and very mild, you may experience – hot flashes, mood changes, nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, soreness at the injection sites. You can talk to your doctor if you face severe discomfort.
‘’There is about 10% chance of having twins because the medications used to stimulate ovulation increases the risk of multiple births.”
Note – Feel free and talk to your doctor about the risks involved and how to tackle it successfully.
Are you ready to turn your parenthood dreams into reality?
With established IVF Spring Hospital, located in Mumbai, you can turn your parenthood dreams into reality! As we make sure to use the latest technology and our fertility doctors make sure to give you all the relevant information about anything related to fertility, they make sure not to force you into any treatment if not needed. At IVF Spring Fertility Clinic we are here for you always with the best treatment plan, support and advice. Find out more about your fertility treatment options; book an appointment with a leading centre – IVF Spring today! And be ready for a miracle!