Ovulation Induction (OI).
Ovulation
Induction (OI) is the controlled administration of drugs to
stimulate the ovaries to produce mature eggs. OI is typically
applied to couples in which the woman has irregular menstrual
cycles and in which investigations indicate that they may
not be ovulating on a regular basis.
Two types
of fertility drugs are commonly used in OI:
Clomiphene
Citrate: often called Clomid. This drug is an anti-oestrogen
and works by stimulating your body into releasing more Follicle
Stimulating Hormone (FSH). These higher levels of FSH stimulate
the ovaries to produce eggs. Clomid is usually given at the
beginning of the menstrual cycle for 5 days. The mature egg
is normally released (ovulation) naturally. However, ovulation
can also be triggered using by a single injection of human Chorionic
Gonadotrophin (hCG).
Gonadotrophin: such as Menopur,
Gonal F & Puregon. These drugs are usually given daily
to stimulate the development of a single mature follicle.
Again, the mature egg is ovulated or the ovulation can be
stimulated by hCG.
Our Fertility Specialist will advise which
of these two types of drug is appropriate for your treatment.
Ultrasound scans and blood tests are performed
to ensure that OI is both safe and effective. Once a mature
follicle has been produced you will be advised when the best
time for intercourse is in order to help achieve a pregnancy.
Typically, couples need only a few months of OI in order to
conceive.
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