Ovulation Induction

Ovulation induction increases the chances of conception among women with irregular ovulatory cycles, including those with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). The use of carefully controlled fertility drugs to stimulate ovulation may be combined with additional infertility treatments such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in-vitro fertilization (IVF).

Also known as ovarian induction, ovulation induction involves the use of fertility drugs to stimulate the development of one or more ovarian follicles in women who ovulate infrequently or who do not ovulate at all (anovulatory). Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), for instance, may benefit from this treatment. During your consultation at our Houston, Texas-area clinic, your provider can determine whether ovulation induction may be right for you. IVF with egg donation may be a more appropriate solution for some women, such as perimenopausal women and those with premature ovarian failure.

The following medications may be used during ovulation induction:

Clomiphene Citrate
Clomid® and Serophene® are forms of clomiphene citrate, an oral fertility drug that is commonly prescribed for ovulation induction. Typically, clomiphene citrate is administered for five days, between days three through seven or five through nine of the menstrual cycle. Common side effects include hot flashes, headaches, mood swings, blurred vision, and ovarian cysts.

Gonadotropins
This class of injectable medications contains follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Commonly known brand names include Bravelle®, Gonal-F®, Follistim®, Menopur®, Pergonal®, and Repronex®. They are administered once a day via intramuscular or subcutaneous injections for eight to fourteen days.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
Once an ultrasound detects the presence of one or more mature follicles, an injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is administered to induce ovulation.

Ask About Ovulation Induction at Our Texas Clinic

If you are interested in learning more about ovulation induction, contact our Houston, Texas area fertility clinics. Aspire Houston Fertility Institute also provides comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and other female and male factor infertility treatments.