Ovulation induction involves the use of medications to stimulate the development of one or more mature follicles in a woman’s ovaries.
Women that have irregular cycles or anovulation (do not ovulate) may be treated by this means as these women do not regularly develop mature follicles by themselves. Pelvic ultrasound scans are used to access the endometrium (lining of the womb) and to determine how the follicles are developing.
Ovulation induction cycles are followed by a hCG injection to induce ovulation once the dominant follicle is 18mm. Timed sexual intercourse can then take place or Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is done.
Is there any side effect?
Some of the side effects involved in ovulation induction include mild bloating, lower abdominal discomfort, headaches and fatigue. Careful monitoring removes the risk of multiple births by advising the patient to abstain from sexual intercourse where indicated.
FOR WHOM IT IS RECOMMENDED
Ovulation induction treatment is recommended for:
- Women with unexplained infertility.
- Women with long, irregular cycles.
- Women who are not spontaneously ovulating.
- Couples with no male-factor infertility.
Ovulation induction treatment is not recommended for:
- Women over 35 years of age.
- Women with tubal blockage or severe tubal damage.
- Women with severe endometriosis.
- Couples with a low sperm count or poor/morphology.
Sister Kay McNaught 