Ovarian Induction therapy at SCI IVF Hospital

What is Ovarian Induction?

Ovulation is the process of the release of eggs from one of the ovaries. In women, this process takes place once a month, particularly at the time of their menstrual cycle. However, in other women, the follicle that helps keep the egg in place does not mature at all. As a result, the women ovulate irregularly or never. 

Ovarian induction is a type of fertility treatment that use of injecting medications to stimulate normal ovulation. Usually, the women have to take medicine at the beginning of her menstrual cycle. Later, the body’s response to the medicine is recorded through the cycle using ultrasound. With the help of ultrasound, our professional identifies the due ovulation date and the best time for trying to conceive.   

Our experts make sure the medication and its dosage are tailored effectively to suit the individual. Moreover, it is advisable to start the medications to stimulate your ovary and carry out other programs like ultrasound and blood tests as well. The fertility medications that doctors may provide you include the following:

• Clomid or letrozole: These medications trick your pituitary gland into producing more follicle-stimulating hormone to help them mature later. The best period to takes these medicines is from day 2 to day 6 of your menstrual cycle. 
• FSH: They are daily injections to stimulate your ovaries to produce healthy eggs with follicles and encourage them to mature. 
• HCG: These injections are used when the eggs with follicles have matured and they trigger ovulation. 

Ovarian induction is a common process that can benefit women with infrequent or absent ovulation. In addition, women with ovulation-interrupting diseases like PCOS can also benefit from the process. 

Moreover, the process works well in conjunction with IVF as it stimulates multiple mature eggs for the egg retrieval process of IVF. It is popularly known as controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. 

Indication for ovulation induction are:

• The disorder which can interrupt normal ovulation like PCOS
• The intensity of workout a woman carries out
• A female’s hormone level, including LH, AMH, and FSH
• Diseases that indirectly impact ovulation like obesity, thyroid problem and eating disorders, excessive stress and exercise, 

The process of ovarian induction can sometimes result in OHSS. The effects of OHSS can affect the body ranging from mild to severe. However, these usually fade away after few weeks without any treatment process. These include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Blurry vision
• Bloating

The induction process is typically the first treatment carried out by doctors in case of infertility. This is because it is noninvasive and relatively cheaper than any other fertility treatment option. For example, IVF includes the expenses of medications, tests, lab work and minor processes. 

However, in case of severe condition of anovulation or other causes of infertility, ovarian induction can be the best treatment when combined with IVF, IUI and other comprehensive treatment.