Ovulation Induction Through Fertility Medications
When women suffer from fertility issues, fertility specialists usually begin treatment with ovulation induction. With this treatment, doctors use fertility drugs to induce ovulation. These drugs also stimulate egg production. These medications are part of treatment cycles for in vitro fertilization and intrauterine insemination.
Doctors typically begin with ovulation induction for a simple reason. Around 25 percent of women who deal with fertility issues also have ovulation difficulties. They might not be able to ovulate, or they might have trouble produce mature eggs. These drugs correct the issues, albeit temporarily. Fortunately, a temporary correction is all that’s needed. If the issue is corrected during the cycle, the women will be in prime condition to get pregnant.
Because this treatment deals with ovulation, it only works when women are dealing with fertility issues. If a man has fertility issues, doctors will use a different treatment.
Doctors assess each patient who comes through their doors to determine if they’re good candidates for ovulation induction. Good candidates include someone who suffers from polycystic ovary syndrome, as well as those who don’t make enough of the luteinizing hormone or follicle stimulating hormone. Women with obesity, eating disorders, and thyroid disorders also benefit from this treatment.
Doctors have lots of medications at their disposal to treat this issue. Clomid is one of the most popular and also one of the oldest on the market. Because it has been around so long, fertility experts know exactly what to expect when dealing with Clomid. This drug helps the pituitary produce the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Once released, FSH stimulates the ovaries. Doctors typically prescribe this drug during the first three cycles. That is when it’s most effective.
Fertility doctors also prescribe Menopur, Repronex, Bravelle, Follistim, and Gonal-F. These drugs produce gonadotropins. Gonadotropins are needed to produce the sacs that contain the eggs.
Human chorionic gonadotropin is also a popular choice. It stimulates ovulation and mimics the luteinizing hormone.
Hormone drugs need to be taken at the same time every day to get the maximum effects. They’re administered via a pen injection system. You can inject yourself in the thigh or abdomen in the comfort of your own home. While that might sound frightening, our doctors will give you some tips to make the injection more comfortable.
Side effects are possible with ovulation induction through fertility medications. Multiple births occur in approximately 15 percent of patients. Patients can also suffer from ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, ectopic pregnancies, and ovarian torsion.
Less serious side effects include mood swings, headaches, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and vomiting.
You don’t have to come up with a treatment plan on your own. Let us help. Begin with a free phone consultation with one of our experts. We will go over a plan with you and set you up with an appointment or Skype session so we can talk face to face.