During each menstrual cycle, a woman will typically produce one dominant follicle that will then release an egg, which is called ovulation. However, some women either do not ovulate regularly or do not produce eggs at all. When trying to conceive while having issues with ovulation, many women find this frustrating and almost always requires assistance from a fertility specialist. 

Many women beginning their fertility journey turn to ovulation induction therapy, in which the ovaries are medically induced (with either oral or injectable medication) to help produce eggs and increase the chance of pregnancy. There are several treatments that Reproductive Fertility Center may recommend depending on several factors that we will review below. If you and your partner are faced with this difficulty it is important to know that you are not alone and that you have options to help you conceive. 

For more information, Contact our dedicated Los Angeles team online here or call our office for help 310-881-8846

Ovulation Induction Medicine

For women who face issue with ovulation or have irregular menstrual cycles, medication is generally the first attempt to treat infertility. These ovulation medications stimulate the release of hormones to trigger the production of eggs. These medications come in two forms, oral medicine and injectables. To choose the correct form of medication, Dr. Saadat will evaluate the patients ovulation history into consideration along with your age, weight, height, hormone levels and prior response to medications.

There are two types of ovulation induction medication:

Oral Ovulation Induction Medicine

Oral medication is generally the first option for females who are undergoing ovulation treatment. Oral medications are painless and can help induce the egg production and, in some cases, increase the number of eggs produced. Common oral medications used for ovulation induction therapy are:

• Clomid
• FEMARA
• Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

Oral ovulation induction medication begins with an ultrasound and bloodwork during the third day of your menstrual cycle, where the oral medication is taken. Within the next 10-13 days, a transvaginal ultrasound will be completed to check on the egg development. During this time, Dr. Saadat will monitor your body’s follicle production and recommend when you should start to conceive naturally or through IVF.

Injectable Ovulation Induction Medicine

Injectable ovulation medication is generally recommended if oral medications are unsuccessful. Most injectable medication usually contains a follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a hormone to help stimulate the follicle production within the ovaries. Injectable medication options include:

• Gonal-f
• Follistim AQ
• Repronex
• MENOPUR
• BRAVELLE
• Lepori
• PERGONAL
• Luveris

Injectable ovulation treatment begins on day 3 of your menstrual cycle and monitored through ultrasound and bloodwork. Injectable medications are continued for six to ten days, depending on your body’s response. Dr. Saadat will be closely monitoring your body and recommend when you should conceive naturally. Depending on your body’s response to natural reproduction with medication, your treatment may be converted into an IVF treatment, allowing Dr. Saadat to have a higher risk of fertility.

Who Should Consider Ovulation Induction Therapy?

Ovulation Induction Therapy is most common with women who have absent of infrequent ovulation. This treatment is also commonly combined when going through the IVF process by stimulating multiple eggs for collection and fertilization.

Our team at Reproductive Fertility Center recommend women with the following symptoms to consider Ovulation Therapy:

1. Women with Hormone Imbalances
   Hormonal imbalances are one potential cause of irregular or absent ovulation. These imbalances are initiated from a women’s brain, ovaries, or adrenal glands and cause a lack of egg production. Hormonal medication such as clomiphene citrate (Clomid®) or human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) may be used to induce ovulation.
2. Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
   Women with a lack of ovulation may be experiencing polycystic ovarian syndrome, a hormonal disorder common in women of reproductive age. This condition prevents a woman from releasing eggs regularly or can even prevent ovulation altogether.
3. Women undergoing IVF – In Vitro Fertilization
   Ovulation induction may be prescribed to women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). A so-called “superovulation” is induced by the medication, where multiple eggs are produced to increase the chances of a women’s success in getting pregnant.

Start Your Fertility Journey with a Los Angeles Double-Board Certified Specialist Today!

Whether you are just starting your infertility journey, or you have been unsuccessful with other treatments our dedicated team of specialists are ready to help you. It is our goal to make you feel comforted and supported by providing you with more information.

Contact us online, or call us at 310-881-8846.

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