Ovulation Induction
For women who do not ovulate regularly, often because of PCOS, tablets or injections can prompt the ovary to release an egg. It is the simplest fertility treatment, far less expensive than IVF, and for the right diagnosis it works well.
- Tablets before injections where suitable
- Monitored by ultrasound
- Far less expensive than IVF
- Timed intercourse or IUI alongside
Stay
Outpatient
Duration
One cycle per attempt
Anaesthesia
Not applicable
About Ovulation Induction
Treatment usually starts with tablets taken early in the cycle, with ultrasound tracking to confirm a follicle is developing. If tablets do not work, injectable gonadotrophins are used with closer monitoring. Monitoring matters because the main risks, multiple pregnancy and overstimulation, are both avoidable when the response is watched.
- Tablets are tried before injections in most cases
- Ultrasound tracking prevents multiple pregnancy and overstimulation
- Works only where the problem is ovulation
- Usually attempted for a limited number of cycles
Before you read on
Everything here is general information about ovulation induction. Whether it suits you, and how it would be done in your case, is a decision for your doctor after examining you.
Your consultant's instructions always take precedence over anything written on this page.
When is it recommended?
Situations in which a doctor may suggest ovulation induction.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome with irregular ovulation
- Irregular or absent periods with normal tubes
- Unexplained infertility, alongside insemination
- Women with a normal partner semen analysis
- Before considering IVF where ovulation is the issue
Procedure details
The usual sequence, from first consultation through to follow-up.
Baseline assessment
A scan early in the cycle confirms the ovaries are quiet and no cyst is present before medication begins.
Medication
Tablets from around day two to six, or injections where tablets have not worked, with the dose set individually.
Follicle tracking
Ultrasound scans through the cycle follow follicle growth, and a trigger injection may be given to time release.
Timing
Intercourse or insemination is timed to ovulation, and a pregnancy test follows about two weeks later.
How to prepare
What to sort out before you come in.
- Weight loss where relevant genuinely improves response, particularly in PCOS
- Bring previous cycle records and any prior treatment details
- Confirm a recent semen analysis is available, as this treatment assumes it is adequate
- Start folic acid before treatment begins
- Plan for several scan visits within the cycle
Recovery
What to expect afterwards, and roughly when.
- Mild bloating and pelvic discomfort during stimulation is common
- Report severe pain, marked bloating or breathlessness, which suggest overstimulation
- A pregnancy test is done about two weeks after ovulation
- Several cycles are usually attempted before moving to another treatment
- If pregnancy occurs, an early scan confirms the number and location
Why choose Humayun for ovulation induction
The value of ovulation induction is that it is simple and inexpensive, provided the diagnosis fits.
- Offered where the diagnosis fits rather than moving straight to IVF
- Ultrasound tracking every cycle, which prevents multiple pregnancy and overstimulation
- A limit agreed in advance on how many cycles before reconsidering
- Costs stated upfront, since this is a fraction of the cost of IVF
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