Ovulation induction is a fertility treatment designed to help women who ovulate irregularly or do not ovulate consistently. By encouraging the development and release of an egg, treatment can improve the chances of conception and help create a more predictable fertile window.
Ovulation induction is a fertility treatment designed to help women who ovulate irregularly or do not ovulate consistently. By encouraging the development and release of an egg, treatment can improve the chances of conception and help create a more predictable fertile window.
Ovulation is the process by which an egg is released from the ovary each month. For pregnancy to occur naturally, ovulation must take place and sperm must be present at the right time to fertilise the egg.
Some women ovulate irregularly or do not ovulate at all, making conception more difficult. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including hormonal imbalances and conditions such as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), previously known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
Ovulation induction uses medication to encourage the development and release of a mature egg. Treatment may be combined with ultrasound monitoring to assess your response and help optimise the timing of intercourse or insemination.
At Genus Fertility, treatment is tailored to your individual circumstances, helping maximise the chance of conception whilst minimising the risk of complications.
Ovulation induction is primarily used for women who ovulate irregularly or do not consistently release an egg. Before recommending treatment, we undertake a thorough fertility assessment to identify any underlying causes and ensure this is the most appropriate treatment pathway for you.
Ovulation induction may be suitable if:
Whether ovulation induction is appropriate depends on your individual circumstances, fertility history and the results of your investigations. Our fertility specialists will discuss the most suitable treatment options and create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs and family-building goals.
What medications are used for ovulation induction?
The most appropriate medication depends on the underlying cause of ovulatory dysfunction and your individual circumstances.
For many women, particularly those with Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), previously known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), letrozole is the preferred first-line treatment. Letrozole works by stimulating the natural hormonal signals that encourage the growth and release of a mature egg.
In some situations, other oral medications or injectable Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) treatment may be recommended. These medications directly stimulate the ovaries and are often used when first-line treatments have been unsuccessful or are not appropriate.
Your fertility specialist will recommend the treatment protocol most suitable for your individual circumstances and monitor your response where required.
What are the risks of ovulation induction?
Ovulation induction is generally a safe and well-tolerated treatment. However, as with any fertility treatment, there are some risks that should be considered.
The main risk is multiple pregnancy. If more than one follicle develops and ovulates, there is an increased chance of twins or, less commonly, higher-order multiple pregnancies. Multiple pregnancies are associated with increased risks for both the mother and the babies.
For this reason, treatment may be monitored with ultrasound scans and, where appropriate, blood tests to assess your response. If an excessive number of follicles develop, you may be advised to avoid intercourse or cancel that treatment cycle in order to minimise the risk of a multiple pregnancy.
Less commonly, ovarian stimulation can result in an exaggerated response of the ovaries, called Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). Your fertility specialist will discuss any potential risks with you and tailor treatment to minimise complications.
How successful is ovulation induction?
Ovulation induction can be a highly effective treatment for women who are not ovulating regularly. Success rates depend on several factors, including age, the underlying cause of ovulatory dysfunction, ovarian reserve, body weight, semen quality and overall fertility health.
For many women, ovulation can be successfully restored with treatment, significantly improving the chance of conception. However, achieving pregnancy depends on a number of factors beyond ovulation alone.
Your fertility specialist will discuss your individual circumstances and provide realistic expectations regarding your chances of success based on your fertility assessment and treatment plan.
What if ovulation induction does not work?
If ovulation induction does not result in pregnancy after an appropriate number of treatment cycles, further treatment may be recommended.
The most appropriate next step will depend on your individual circumstances, including your age, ovarian reserve, fertility history and the results of your fertility investigations.
For some patients, IVF may offer the greatest chance of success and become the recommended next stage of treatment. However, recommendations are always individualised and based on your specific fertility profile and family-building goals.