What is Ovulation Induction and How Does It Work?
You can think of it as the process of using a medication, which will be stimulating Ovulation in women who are suffering from irregularities. It is believed that nearly 20 to 30 percent of all infertility problems in women have to do with problems in Ovulation.
Normal Ovulation is a cycle that takes place after a gap of 21 to 35 days. If the fertilization does not occur within, then the mature egg and all the supplementary tissues are broken down and cleared from the uterus naturally.
Ovulation is considered irregular when it occurs less than once in 35 days. The medical term used for it is oligo ovulation. On the other hand, if it does not occur at all, then it is called anovulation. Ovulation’s problem casts an adverse impact on fertility by taking away the predictability of Ovulation and, agreeably, the presence of an egg for fertilization.
Ovulation induction has the goal of enhancing the chances of a woman to conceive a child either through sexual intercourse or through intrauterine insemination. It must be remembered that the absence of Ovulation is a symptom of a pre-existing fertility problem and it must be diagnosed and treated for the restoration of normal fertility and Ovulation.
Medication used for inducing Ovulation
The process of Ovulation Induction involves the administration of hormone-based medications to regulate a woman’s reproductive hormones and enhance the chances of Ovulation. The commonly used medications are as follows:
Clomiphene citrate:
It is administered to induce ovulation in women with normal pituitary hormones, but there is a problem related to the changes in them. This medicine is commonly known by its brand name Clomid.
Aromatase Inhibitors:
This medicine is beneficial for the treatment of PCOS. It is generally known by its brand name Femara.
Insulin sensitizing hormone:
It is also administered for treating PCOS having evidence of prediabetes or diabetes.
Gonadotropins:
It comprises two injectable hormones, which are follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone encouraging egg development. Under normal circumstances, it is produced by the pituitary gland.
How Ovulation Induction Treatment Works
- Initial Consultation: A fertility specialist reviews your medical history and conducts hormone tests and ultrasounds to assess ovarian function.
- Medication Cycle: Ovulation induction medications are prescribed based on your needs to stimulate egg production and support the ovulation process.
- Monitoring: Regular monitoring with blood tests and ultrasounds tracks the response to medications, ensuring effectiveness and minimizing potential complications.
- Trigger Shot: When eggs reach maturity, a trigger injection is administered to prompt ovulation, allowing for the best timing for natural conception or intrauterine insemination (IUI).
Types of Ovulation Induction Medications
There are various medications to aid in ovulation induction, with each treatment plan tailored to the individual’s needs. Doctors may use one or a combination of medications to stimulate the ovaries effectively:
- Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid): This widely used oral medication works by blocking estrogen receptors, prompting the body to release eggs.
- Letrozole: Originally a breast cancer treatment, Letrozole lowers estrogen levels, encouraging egg production in the ovaries.
- Gonadotropins: These injectable hormones, including FSH and LH, stimulate the ovaries directly to produce multiple eggs, commonly used for patients who do not respond to other medications.
Ovulation Induction Medications Cost
The cost of ovulation induction can vary based on the medications prescribed, the frequency of monitoring, and any additional procedures. Key factors influencing the overall cost include:
- Medication Type: Oral medications like Clomiphene and Letrozole are generally more affordable than injectable hormones, which can raise costs.
- Monitoring Frequency: Frequent monitoring with ultrasounds and blood tests ensures treatment effectiveness but adds to the expense.
- Additional Treatments: Ovulation induction is sometimes paired with procedures like intrauterine insemination (IUI), which may increase the overall cost.
Who Can Benefit from Ovulation Induction
Ovulation induction treatment is especially beneficial for women with certain reproductive challenges:
- Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Women with irregular ovulation may improve their chances of conception through ovulation induction.
- PCOS: This treatment is commonly used to stimulate ovulation in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
- Unexplained Infertility: For couples facing unexplained infertility, ovulation induction can be an effective method to aid in achieving pregnancy.
About Meerut IVF: Helping Couples Achieve Successful Conception
Meerut IVF center has been helping hundreds of childless couples to conceive successfully. It believes in uncovering all underlying health issues that cause fertility problems in women. We have a high success rate with Ovulation induction that materializes to successful conception and ends with a healthy child’s delivery.