Problems with ovulation are among the most common causes of fertility issues in females. If an egg is not released from the ovary, then it can’t get fertilised in order to make a baby. While it may be concerning if you’re not ovulating regularly, there is a treatment available that could help encourage ovulation in order to get pregnant through intercourse. Here we’ll explore the treatment called ovulation induction and how it works.
What is ovulation induction?
Ovulation induction is a medical treatment that helps encourage ovulation if you’re not ovulating regularly. Reasons for not ovulating might be due to stress, PCOS, thyroid hormone imbalance or irregular menstrual cycles. The two main types of ovulation induction are:
- Oral medication
Medications like Clomid, tamoxifen or letrozole act by increasing the production of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) which stimulates follicle growth and ovulation. - Daily injections of gonadotropins
Drugs like Menopur or Gonal F contain FSH which stimulates follicle growth.
You might require ultrasound scans to monitor the response in your ovaries and will be informed of when to have intercourse for the best chances of conceiving.
What are the risks of ovulation induction?
Response to the treatment is very individual and sometimes cycles may be cancelled if the response is insufficient or too strong. If you respond well to the treatment, your doctor may recommend continuing treatment for up to six consecutive cycles.
Some medications can cause undesirable side effects like bloating, nausea, headaches and hot flushes. Always consult with your doctor if you have any concerns regarding the medication.
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