Ovulation Induction
Ovulation induction is a type of treatment offered for couples struggling with infertility due to ovulation disorders. This treatment involves the use of medications to stimulate ovulation and increase the chances of conception.
At Fertilica, our ovulation induction treatments are tailored to the individual needs of each patient. We carefully monitor each patient's menstrual cycle and use ultrasound and blood tests to determine the best time to administer medication.
The medications used in ovulation induction can include oral medications such as Clomiphene citrate or injectable medications such as gonadotropins. These medications work by stimulating the ovaries to produce mature eggs and increasing the likelihood of fertilization.
Our team of experienced fertility specialists will closely monitor each patient's response to the medications and adjust the dosage as needed to maximize the chances of conception while minimizing the risk of complications.
The success rates of this treatment can vary depending on the underlying cause of infertility.
Overall, ovulation induction treatment can be a safe and effective option for many couples struggling with infertility. At Fertilica, we provide individualized treatment plans and closely monitor each patient's response to treatment to maximize their chances of achieving a successful pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. WHAT IS OVULATION INDUCTION?
In order to become pregnant, ovulation (Release of a mature egg from ovary) is necessary. But the menstrual cycle, which includes ovulation, is a delicate process that can be easily disrupted. Ovulation problems are quite common and are responsible for about 25% of female infertility cases. Ovulation induction is a technique used to stimulate the maturation and release of follicles, ensuring the release of at least one egg. Once the egg is released, it can be fertilized naturally in the body through intercourse or assisted conception methods like intrauterine insemination (IUI).
2. WHO REQUIRE OVULATION INDUCTION?
Some women experience difficulties with ovulation, either by not ovulating at all (anovulation) or having irregular ovulation (oligo-ovulation). Several factors can contribute to this, such as hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovaries (PCOS), being overweight or underweight, and engaging in too much or intense exercise. In most cases, fertility drugs alone can help stimulate ovulation, eliminating the need for advanced assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Depending on the patients situation, the doctor may prescribe either Letrozole, clomiphene citrate or gonadotropins to encourage ovulation. Letrozole or Clomiphene citrate is often used as the initial treatment, while gonadotropins are stronger drugs that may be recommended for selected patients if clomiphene citrate is ineffective.
3.HOW DOES CLOMIPHENE CITRATE ACT AND WHAT ARE THE SIDE-EFFECTS?
Clomiphene citrate in the form of a tablet is taken for five days at the beginning of the menstrual cycle. Its purpose is to stimulate the growth of follicles, which are responsible for releasing eggs. Clomiphene citrate encourages the brain to produce hormones that promote follicle growth and egg release. There are some potential side effects of using clomiphene citrate, including hot flushes, headaches or blurred vision, mood swings, breast tenderness, and nausea. Additionally, since this drug stimulates follicle growth, there is a higher chance of developing ovarian cysts and having twins. Depending on how you respond to clomiphene citrate, your doctor might discuss other fertility drugs, such as gonadotropins, with you.
4. HOW DOES LETROZOLE ACT AND WHAT ARE THE SIDE-EFFECTS?
Letrozole blocks production of estrogen from androgens in the bosy, as a result body increases the production of FSH hormone which in turn stimulates egg production. Unlike clomiphene, with letrozole there is no estrogen receptor blockage and the uterine lining and cervical mucus are not affected. The chances of having twins is also less with letrozole. Letrozole can be used in combination with gonadotrophin injections for ovulation induction. The most common side effects of letrozole are sweating, hot flushes, joint pains, fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea.
5.HOW DOES OVULATION INDUCTION WITH GONADOTROPHINS WORK?
Gonadotropins are natural hormones found in a womans body. In gonadotropin treatments, these hormones are given through injections to help eggs mature and be released.
During the early menstrual cycle, HMG or FSH injections are administered for about a week or longer. These injections stimulate the ovaries to produce and mature multiple follicles. The doctor tries to adjust the dose of medicines so that no more than two follicles grow. When the eggs are nearly mature, women usually receive a single injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) called the trigger injection. This triggers the ovaries to fully mature and release an egg.
To determine pregnancy, doctors use tests that measure the amount of hCG in the urine or blood. It is important to follow your doctors advice and not take a pregnancy test too early because the hCG from the trigger injection can give a false positive result.
Gonadotropins are stronger than clomiphene citrate, which means there is an increased risk of certain things:
1.Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): This is a condition where many follicles develop. Most of the time, OHSS can be detected quickly, but around 2% of women may need to seek hospital assistance.
2.Multiple pregnancies: While the idea of having twins or triplets might seem appealing, multiple pregnancies can pose serious health risks for both the mother and the babies.