What is Ovulation Induction (OI)
If you want to know more about Ovulation Induction in general, this article will touch on all its fundamental aspects, so stay tuned.
Ovulation Induction, in simple terms, are medications that increase fertility by aiding the stimulation of egg release from the ovary. It essentially stimulates ovulation in cases where it is irregular or absent.
Irregular ovulation is known as ‘anovulation.’ Note that anovulation is a relatively common problem. For the patient, it can naturally be mentally challenging and physically stressful to be affected by it. Its causes range over a wide field. However, it can be narrowed down to factors such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), ovarian failure (caused by premature menopause), or cancer treatments like chemotherapy. Hormonal imbalances are a significant driver of this as well. This is where Ovulation Induction comes in.
Irregular ovulation is known as ‘anovulation.’ Note that anovulation is a relatively common problem. For the patient, it can naturally be mentally challenging and physically stressful to be affected by it. Its causes range over a wide field. However, it can be narrowed down to factors such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), ovarian failure (caused by premature menopause), or cancer treatments like chemotherapy. Hormonal imbalances are a significant driver of this as well. This is where Ovulation Induction comes in.
How does Ovulation Induction work?
Ovulation Induction is carried out using a combination of fertility medications and tests. Before you come to us, we will ask for your medical history, and one of the first details we take note of is how often you ovulate.
This information will help us regulate your treatment and map out the tests you need to kickstart the process.
What tests are carried out during Ovulation Induction?
The first tests that are carried out include ultrasound scans, blood tests, and hormone levels assessment. Ultrasound scans provide extensive information on follicles most likely to ovulate. Blood and hormone tests ensure that any imbalances are detected. Ovarian function and overall egg supply are also evaluated through this.
These tests are a crucial part of the treatment as they will help define and justify the list of fertility medicines that we dispatch to you.
What medicines are used during Ovulation Induction?
Once all the tests are carried out, we will begin the next phase of your treatment.
After analyzing the results of your tests, we will know what exactly is causing your underlying ovulation issues. Once this is pinpointed, it will be noted, and our specialists will ponder further steps.
Our first course of treatment would be through medication. These medicines will target specific hormones that stimulate follicles. Namely, this would be the production of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Tablets targeting follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) include Clomid, Clomiphene Citrate, Tamoxifen, Letrozole, or Norethistestosterone. These tablets will help induce ovulation and could be an essential part of your induction based on the results of your tests.
Suppose, by any chance, you aren’t responding well as we’d like you to the tablets. In that case, we may prescribe injections of Gonadotropins. Examples of these are Menopur, Bemfola, or Gonal F. These injections will be administered to you daily, and you will be monitored accordingly.
Benefits of Ovulation Induction
If you are currently suffering from anovulation, Ovulation Induction could be your treatment!
Ovulation Induction not only tends to prevent abnormal ovulation but also works on par with other treatments such as In-vitro Fertilization (IVF). Hence, its benefits can also be yielded by women suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Lastly, the entire treatment is carried out with one aim: to help you become pregnant. It does this by increasing the odds of releasing your eggs. This process, in turn, contributes directly to your fertility. Hence, Ovulation Induction, in general, is effective.
Side effects
Like any other treatment, Ovulation Induction has its side effects too. These may range from weight gain, headaches, and shortness of breath to nausea.
However, the side effects may slowly dissolve after a couple of weeks have passed without administering Ovulation Induction.
Conclusion
Ovulation Induction is a treatment that will help you out on your journey to eventual pregnancy. We empathize with all our patients and ensure that the treatment is executed with the utmost care and love.
We understand that it can sometimes be overwhelming for you.
That is why we have a dedicated Fertility Coordinator at your service to walk you through the entire process of when and how to take your medications. We are on hand to answer any questions you have throughout the process.
Our specialists will also monitor you throughout the follicle stimulation phase to ensure you respond well to the treatment.
