Ovulation Induction & Follicular Monitoring
Ovulation Induction is a common treatment in assisted reproductive technology. Ovulation induction and follicular monitoring helps in understanding the time of ovulation and increases the chances of conceiving. The success rate is approximately 7-10 % with each cycle. Nevertheless, the success rate depends on many factors, including age and the cause of infertility. The chance of success decreases with age. This method involves stimulation of the ovaries with medications which helps in the development of follicles. This is followed by serial monitoring of the growing follicles and the endometrial thickness using an ultrasound machine.
Who should opt for ovulation induction?
After the initial evaluation of history, physical examination, blood workup, sonography and Husband’s semen analysis and assessing the couples’ fertility status ovulation induction of the ovaries is initiated. This is a method of treatment in women whose cycles are irregular or who do not ovulate on their own without the help of external medications. This method can also be used in couples with unexplained infertility.
The treatment involves stimulating your ovaries with oral or injectable medications. The ovaries response to these medications is monitored by doing scans at regular interval and when the follicle has reached of appropriate size ovulation is triggered and the couple is advised to have sexual intercourse.
What are the risks associated?
- The woman may feel abdominal cramps, bloating sensation, cramping, acne formation, etc.
- There may be increased chances of multiple pregnancy as sometimes multiple follicle development may occur.
- There is also a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.