Ovulation Induction in San Diego

In a normal menstrual cycle, there are many hormones at play to grow and mature a single egg so that it is released at the time of ovulation. The slightest hormonal imbalance can disrupt this very delicate process and lead to infertility.

Ovulation induction medications, often referred to as fertility drugs, are used to stimulate the development and growth of eggs. The type of fertility drug used will depend on your diagnosis and the goal of treatment. In general women are divided into 2 groups depending on whether they are ovulating or not.

Women with conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) who have infrequent or absent ovulation have irregular or absent periods. The goal of treatment in this class of patients is to make them produce 1 egg in order to conceive. For these patients fertility pills are usually all that is needed.

If a patient is already ovulating and has regular monthly periods, the goal of ovulation induction is to produce 2-3 eggs in order to increase the chance of conception. This process is called “superovulation” or “controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.” Patients undergoing superovulation must be closely monitored by blood tests and ultrasounds. Monitoring ensures that the patient does not hyperstimulate and also helps the fertility doctor administer the correct dosage of medication so that only a few follicles develop. This is a critical step to keep the multiple pregnancy rates low. At the end of the superovulation treatment process, HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is usually prescribed to stimulate ovulation. These medications control the time that you release the eggs, or ovulate, so sexual intercourse, IUI, and IVF procedures can be scheduled at the most likely time to achieve pregnancy.