At the Fertility Institute of San Diego, under the direction of Dr. Minoos Hosseinzadeh, we specialize in a range of fertility treatments designed to support individuals and couples on their journey to parenthood. One of the key treatments we offer is ovulation induction, a foundational approach in the field of reproductive medicine. This treatment plays a crucial role for many of our patients, particularly those struggling with irregular or absent ovulation.
Understanding Ovulation Induction
Ovulation induction is the stimulation of ovulation by medication. It is used for women who have infrequent ovulation or do not ovulate at all and want to become pregnant. Dr. Hosseinzadeh explains, “Ovulation induction involves the use of medications to stimulate the release of eggs from the ovaries. It is typically one of the first steps in treating infertility and can be used as a standalone treatment or as part of a more complex assisted reproductive technology, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).”
Who Benefits from Ovulation Induction?
Ovulation induction is particularly beneficial for:
Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is one of the most common causes of female infertility, characterized by irregular menstrual cycles and anovulation.
Women with irregular menstrual cycles: Those who do not ovulate regularly often need assistance to produce a predictable ovulation cycle.
Women using donor sperm: Single women or lesbian couples wishing to conceive can use ovulation induction alongside artificial insemination.
Couples with unexplained infertility: Even when diagnostic tests show no clear cause of infertility, stimulating ovulation can increase the chances of pregnancy.
How Does Ovulation Induction Work?
The process typically follows several key steps:
Initial Assessment: Patients undergo thorough evaluations including blood tests and ultrasound scans to assess hormone levels and ovarian function.
Medication: Treatment generally starts with oral medications like Clomiphene Citrate or Letrozole. In some cases, injectable hormones such as Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) are used.
Monitoring: Regular monitoring through ultrasound and hormone levels is essential to assess response to the medications. This monitoring helps to avoid risks such as Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) and multiple pregnancies.
Timing of Insemination or Intercourse: Once the follicles are mature, an injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or another medication may be given to trigger ovulation. Couples are advised on the optimal timing for intercourse or intrauterine insemination (IUI).
The Benefits of Ovulation Induction
Increased Chances of Pregnancy: By promoting the release of one or more eggs, ovulation induction increases the likelihood of fertilization and pregnancy.
Controlled Timing: Ovulation induction allows for better timing of fertilization, which is especially important in treatments involving sperm donation or in vitro fertilization.
Enhanced Egg Quality: Medications used can also help in improving the quality of the eggs produced, thereby enhancing the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Minimally Invasive: Compared to other fertility treatments, ovulation induction is less invasive and often considered a first-line treatment before more complex procedures are recommended.
Considerations and Risks
Like all medical treatments, ovulation induction comes with potential risks:
Risk of Multiple Pregnancies: Especially with the use of injectable medications, there is a higher chance of multiple pregnancies, which carry higher risks for both mother and babies.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): Though rare, particularly with careful monitoring, OHSS is a serious condition that can occur when the ovaries respond too well to the fertility drugs.
Side Effects of Medications: These can include mood swings, hot flashes, and headaches.
Ovulation induction is a powerful tool in the treatment of infertility, providing many women with their first real hope of achieving pregnancy. At the Fertility Institute of San Diego, we provide a detailed, personalized approach to ensure that each patient receives the optimal treatment for their specific situation.
If you’re ready to start your fertility journey, please book a complimentary virtual consultation with Dr. Hosseinzadeh, to go over fertility options or any other reproductive healthcare questions, click here.
Sources
American Society for Reproductive Medicine – Ovulation Induction
Mayo Clinic – Infertility Treatment
National Institutes of Health – PCOS and Ovulation
