What is ovulation induction? 

Ovulation induction is a medical treatment that can help improve ovulation patterns, or increase the number of eggs released each month. Treatments may include either oral or injectable medications.

Ovulation induction may be performed for a variety of reasons, but it is especially helpful in individuals who do not ovulate regularly on their own, such as people with polycystic ovarian syndrome or those with irregular menstrual cycles. Ovulation induction can also be used in people who ovulate regularly, to either improve the quality or timing of their ovulation or to increase the number of eggs released each month, which increases the chances for pregnancy. 

Who is ovulation induction recommended for? 

Ideal candidates for ovulation induction with timed intercourse or intrauterine insemination (IUI) are people with irregular ovulation and who have a partner with a normal semen analysis or for those using donor sperm.

How does ovulation induction work?

Medications are typically prescribed during the first week of your menstrual cycle. We will then monitor your ovaries' response to the medication with blood tests and ultrasounds to help detect ovulation and to determine the best time for intercourse or IUI.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

When you come in for your appointment, a transvaginal ultrasound will be performed. We will look to see how many developing eggs are present in your ovaries. We may check hormone levels to help predict ovulation and to better time intercourse or IUI.