Ovulation Induction
Ovulation Induction
Ovulation induction is the process in which medications are used to stimulate ovulation in women who have irregular or absent ovulation termed as anovulation medically.
About 25 to 30 percent women with infertility have problems with ovulation. The main aim of ovulation induction is to increase a woman’s chances of conceiving, either through sexual intercourse or by using intrauterine insemination (IUI) or another fertility treatment.
Ovulation induction is usually one of the first line treatments used for infertility because it is noninvasive and relatively low cost, compared to other fertility treatments. Women with PCOS, who have irregular ovulation greatly benefit from ovulation induction.
Steps In Ovulation Induction
Step 1
Oral agents such as Clomiphene or Letrozole or Injectable gonadotropins are used to develop the eggs in the ovaries (egg bags).
Step 2
Serial transvaginal ultrasound scans are done to monitor the growth of these follicles on a regular basis known as follicular tracking. Usually 3-4 scans are needed.
Step 3
Once the follicles have reached 18-20 mm size, the patient is given trigger injection of HCG for follicular rupture and egg release. The patient is the advised to have timed intercourse or IUI can be planned.