Gonadotrophin ovulation induction
The information on this page is for women who are not ovulating on their own. Ovulation induction is a kind of fertility treatment where a daily injection of a hormone is taken to stimulate the ovary for eggs to grow.
How do I start treatment?
You and your partner will be given a kit which will include an injector pen. You will be shown how to use the injector pen.
You will start the injections, usually on day 2 of your period and continue them every day.
If you have no periods, you will be given Provera® to stimulate menstruation.
An ovulation hormone drug is given to make you ovulate, which usually happens around 36 hours later. We then ask you to have intercourse that evening and again the following night to increase your chances of becoming pregnant.
Ultrasound scans
You will have a scan around day 8 of your cycle to see how your ovaries are reacting. Scans may be repeated as often as 3 times a week until your ovaries are releasing eggs.
You may also have a blood test to measure your oestrogen levels.
Outcome
If you do not have a period at the usual time, take a pregnancy test. Whatever the result is, please contact Mrs Reddy’s secretary or the fertility nurses for advice.
Risks
There are 2 main risks of ovulation induction:
- Multiple pregnancies; a 10% risk.
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). This is rare and your treatment would be cancelled if we think you are at risk.
Success rate
Success depends on many factors; a woman’s age, the normal sperm count of your partner and the function of your fallopian tubes. If the semen sample is of poor quality, we may suggest Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI) combined with ovulation induction.
Contact information
If you have any questions, please contact the fertility nurses via Mrs K Reddy’s secretary on the number below:
Cotswold Fertility Unit
Tel: 0300 422 3128
Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm
Website: www.cotswoldfertilityunit.co.uk