What Is Ovulation Induction And How Does It Work?

Ovulation induction is causing ovulation to occur medically. This can be done in patients who do not ovulate regularly and thus have infertility as a result. Another reason for ovulation induction is for patients who do ovulate regularly but would like to enhance fertility by ovulating multiple eggs.

It is clear why in infertile patients who do not ovulate, ovulation induction would be a beneficial treatment modality. However, in those patients that ovulate normally, the advantages of ovulation induction would be to increase the efficiency of getting pregnant when infertility is due to other reasons.

Advantages of Ovulation Induction

Advantages of ovulation induction are also realized when combined with other fertility treatment modalities such as intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization.

Disadvantages of Ovulation Induction

There are disadvantages to ovulation induction these are ovarian hyperstimulation and multiple pregnancies. The good news is both of these complications can be controlled and monitored by the physician.

Medications Used In Ovulation Induction

There are multiple medications used in ovulation induction. The physician is able to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these medications. The different factors that impact the decision making process are costs, since they vary widely, and the method of administration since some are oral medications and some are injections requiring instruction on administration and frequent monitoring. Also the number of eggs ovulated varies by the different medication used and dosage administered.

There is always a balance between the number of eggs produced and ovulated and the efficiency of pregnancy. Consultation with a fertility specialist is always warranted to discuss this treatment further.