Ovulation induction is the process that is carried out to facilitate the production and release of eggs by the ovaries so that fertilization by sperm is possible and, consequently, causes pregnancy. This process is mainly indicated for women with ovarian dysfunction, which is the case of polycystic ovary syndrome, also called PCOS, one of the main causes of infertility due to lack of ovulation.
Ovulation induction protocols are based on medications that can be compressed, such as clomiphene citrate, or through the use of injectable hormones, known as gonadotropins. Discover the main remedies for ovulation.
In cases of fertilization, ovulation induction is called ovarian stimulation and is also based on the use of medicines to help the woman ovulate. These eggs are then collected using special needles to be fertilized with sperm in the laboratory.
How it works
Ovulation is a process that occurs naturally in a woman’s body, in periods called cycles. Hormones produced by the pituitary gland such as follicle stimulating hormone, known as FSH, and luteinizing hormone, known as LH, work together in follicular development and egg release.
However, this process can be altered due to some diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome and cause difficulty in getting pregnant.
In this way, ovulation induction stimulates the regularization of hormonal levels and helps in the production of eggs to be fertilized by sperm through medication protocols recommended by a gynecologist and specialist in human reproduction, which can be:
- Clomiphene citrate, such as Clomid or Indux: it is the most used medication for women who do not ovulate and who have difficulty getting pregnant. It should be started between the 2nd and 5th day after the start of menstruation. Ultrasonography must be performed from the 12th to the 16th day of the cycle to determine the response to treatment;
- Injectable gonadotropins: These are more expensive medications, administered by injection into the belly, and which generally lead to the growth of more follicles, making the chances of getting pregnant greater;
- aromatase inhibitors, such as anastrozole and letrozole: These are remedies recommended for women who are resistant to or have a very thin uterine wall when using clomiphene citrate and their use should also be started between the 2nd and 5th day of the cycle.
Furthermore, polycystic ovary syndrome causes insulin resistance, which leads to an increase in this hormone and an increased risk of women with this syndrome having ovulation problems. That’s why many doctors recommend the use of metformin, improving the ovulation process. Diet changes and weight loss also help regulate the cycle and induce ovulation. See more about other home remedies for polycystic ovary.
What is it for
Ovulation induction is based on the use of medications to help with the development and release of eggs, to be fertilized by a sperm and lead to pregnancy. It plays a fundamental role in the treatment of ovulatory disorders that cause infertility.
This treatment aims to increase a woman’s chances of becoming pregnant, whether naturally, with scheduled sexual intercourse, or through treatments such as fertilization. Ovulation induction can also be recommended for women who already ovulate, but who have difficulty getting pregnant due to male fertility problems.
Possible complications
One of the possible complications that may occur during ovulation induction may be ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, in which many eggs are released, increasing the woman’s risk of becoming pregnant with twins or may cause an increase in blood flow and the size of the ovary.
The symptoms of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome depend on the degree of this disorder and can range from abdominal distension, nausea and diarrhea to more serious problems such as changes in coagulation, changes in kidney function and ascites, which is the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. Find out more about what ascites is and how to treat it.
Therefore, it is recommended to carry out ovulation induction under the supervision of a doctor, as the correct doses will be prescribed for each woman and after using the medications, ultrasounds should be performed to monitor ovulation, avoiding the appearance of complications.
As ovarian cysts can cause difficulties in getting pregnant, watch a video with more tips on what to do to reduce this health problem:
