We may offer you the option of ovulation induction if it has been found that you do not ovulate regularly. The aim is to encourage your ovaries to develop the follicles needed to produce and release eggs.
Ovulation is induced using one of the following treatments:
- Clomiphene tablets (or alternatives such as Letrozole) – these increase the production of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates your follicles and egg growth. If your periods are very infrequent we may need to prescribe you an additional type of medication in order to induce a bleed.
- Gonadotrophins - these are given by injection. They too contain a follicle stimulating hormone and during the treatment you will need to inject yourself with these hormones every day. We will teach you how to do this and we will monitor you regularly at the centre, using scans and blood tests to establish when your follicles are ready. When we think your follicles are the right size, you will need to inject yourself with Human Chorionic Gonadatrophin, a hormone that helps the eggs to mature. You should ovulate 36 – 48 hours later.
It is essential that you have frequent, regular sex throughout the cycle unless we advise you otherwise.
OI is available at Cambridge IVF to NHS and self-funded patients. If you would like more information please contact us at enquiries@cambridgeivf.org.uk or on 01223 349010.