Ovulation Therapy

Ovulation therapy, also known as ovulation induction or controlled ovarian stimulation, is a fertility treatment that involves the use of medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce and release eggs. It is commonly used to increase the chances of conception in women who have difficulty ovulating or who have irregular or infrequent menstrual cycles. Here's an overview of how ovulation therapy works:

• Initial evaluation: Before starting ovulation therapy, you will undergo a comprehensive evaluation, including a medical history review, physical examination, and various tests to assess hormone levels, ovarian reserve, and the structure of your reproductive organs. This evaluation helps determine the underlying cause of ovulation issues and guides the appropriate treatment approach.

• Medication for ovarian stimulation: Ovulation therapy involves the use of fertility medications to stimulate the development and maturation of multiple eggs in the ovaries. The most commonly used medications are oral medications like Clomiphene citrate or injectable gonadotropins (follicle-stimulating hormone, FSH).

• Monitoring: During ovulation therapy, you will undergo regular monitoring through blood tests and ultrasounds. These tests help assess the growth and development of ovarian follicles (fluid-filled sacs that contain the eggs) and the thickness of the uterine lining. Monitoring allows healthcare providers to adjust medication dosage and timing to optimize the chances of successful ovulation.

• Triggering ovulation: Once the follicles have reached an appropriate size, a medication called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) may be administered to trigger the final maturation and release of the eggs.

• Timing intercourse or intrauterine insemination (IUI): After the trigger injection, you will be advised on the optimal timing for intercourse or IUI. This ensures that sperm is present in the reproductive tract when the eggs are released, maximizing the chances of fertilization.

• Pregnancy testing: Around two weeks after ovulation, a pregnancy test can be performed to determine if ovulation therapy was successful. If the test is positive, further prenatal care will be provided. If the test is negative, your healthcare provider will discuss further steps and potential alternative treatments.