OVULATION INDUCTION

OFTEN THE FIRST OPTION RECOMMENDED FOR TREATING INFERTILITY, THIS METHOD USES FERTILITY DRUGS TO BOOST THE NUMBER OF EGGS A WOMAN PRODUCES DURING A CYCLE

Most suited to women who ovulate infrequently or not at all, this method can also be used for women with unexplained infertility, who ovulate regularly. In the latter, this increases the number of ovulations per cycle, so giving them better odds for achieving a conception. This is an attractive option considering that statistics suggest as many as 40% of infertile women have problems with ovulation.

It is only suggested in cases where sperm quality is good, and the fallopian tubes are normal. For women older than 35, it’s likely that a more involved approach will be required.

Once egg follical development has been induced, we monitor your response with ultrasound scans and blood tests. You and your partner are advised on timed intercourse during the ovulation period, and women may choose to make use of an ovulation calculator for better accuracy. A pregnancy test can be done five days after your next period is due. Your response to the treatment is reviewed after each treatment cycle, and adjusted if necessary. If you do not fall pregnant after four to six cycles, it is likely that an alternative fertility treatment may be needed.

What if I have PCOS?
Although as many as 10% of women have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, a large proportion don’t know until they struggle to fall pregnant and find they could be facing infertility. Characterised by absent or irregular menstrual cycles, PCOS can be treated with ovulation induction. Medication can be used to induce ovulation, with pregnancy subsequently achieved through timed intercourse or intrauterine insemination (IUI).