Ovulation induction is the process that is done to facilitate the production and release of eggs by the ovaries so that fertilization by the sperm is possible and, consequently, cause pregnancy. This process is mainly indicated for women with ovarian dysfunction, which is the case of polycystic ovary syndrome, also called PCOS, one of the main causes of infertility due to the absence of ovulation.
Ovulation induction protocols are made based on medications that can be compressed, such as clomiphene citrate, or through the use of injectable hormones, known as gonadotropins.
In cases of fertilization, ovulation induction is called ovarian stimulation and is also based on the use of remedies for the ovular woman. Then these eggs are collected using special needles to be fertilized with the sperm in the laboratory.
How it works
Ovulation is a process that occurs naturally in the woman's body, in periods called cycles. The hormones produced by the pituitary gland such as the stimulating follicle, known as FSH and the luteinizing hormone, called LH, act together in follicular development and in the release of eggs. However, this process can be altered due to some diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome and cause difficulty in becoming pregnant.
In this way, ovulation induction stimulates the regulation of hormone levels and helps in the production of eggs to be fertilized by sperm through drug protocols indicated by a gynecologist and human reproduction specialist, which can be:
- Clomiphene citrate, such as Clomid or Indux: it is the most used medication for women who do not ovulate and who have difficulty getting pregnant. It must be started between the 2nd and the 5th day after the start of menstruation. Ultrasonography must be performed from the 12th to the 16th day of the cycle to know the response to the treatment; Injectable gonadotropins: these are more expensive drugs, administered by injection in the belly, and which generally lead to the growth of more follicles, making the chances of becoming pregnant greater; Aromatase inhibitors, such as anastrozole and letrozole : are remedies recommended for resistant women or those who have a very thin uterine wall with the use of clomiphene citrate and their use should also be started between the 2nd and 5th day of the cycle.
In addition, polycystic ovary syndrome causes insulin resistance, which leads to an increase in this hormone and an increased risk of women with this syndrome having problems with ovulation. That is why many doctors recommend the use of metformin, improving the ovulation process. Dietary changes, weight loss also help to regulate the cycle and induce ovulation. See more about other home remedies for polycystic ovary.
What is it for
Ovulation induction is based on the use of medications to assist in the development and release of eggs, to be fertilized by a sperm and to lead to pregnancy. It has a fundamental role in the treatment of ovulatory disorders that cause infertility.
This treatment aims to increase the chances of women getting pregnant either naturally, with scheduled sexual intercourse, or through treatments such as fertilization. Induction of ovulation can also be recommended for women who already ovulate, but who have difficulty getting pregnant due to male fertility problems.
Possible complications
One of the possible complications that can happen during ovulation induction may be the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, in which many eggs are released, increasing the risk of a woman becoming pregnant with twins, or it can cause an increase in blood flow and ovary size.
The symptoms of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome depend on the degree of this disorder and can range from abdominal distension, nausea and diarrhea as well as causing more serious problems such as changes in clotting, changes in kidney function and ascites, which is the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. Learn more what ascites is and how to treat it.
Therefore, it is recommended to induce ovulation with the accompaniment of a doctor, as the correct doses will be prescribed for each woman and after using the medications, ultrasounds should be performed to monitor ovulation, avoiding the appearance of complications.
As cysts in the ovaries can cause difficulties to get pregnant, watch a video with more tips to do to reduce this health problem:
