Ovulation Induction (Timed Intercourse)

What is Ovulation Induction?
The reproductive system in some women does not function properly, just as any other of the body’s systems can malfunction. Many couples who are struggling with infertility may think that in vitro fertilization is the primary solution to their problem. Although IVF does have a very high rate of success per cycle, it is not the best choice for everyone. The truth is that modern medicine has come up with a variety of solutions to deal with infertility, some of which are far less costly and demanding than IVF.

Ovulation induction is one way that women can overcome ovulation disorders and regain the ability to conceive. This involves the use of hormone therapy to stimulate egg maturation and ultimately the release of these eggs, called ovulation.

Ovulation induction, or ovarian stimulation, as it is also called, is often used for women who do not ovulate regularly on their own, and there are many types of medication that can be used. Some come in the form of pills, which block estrogen receptors, making the body think estrogen levels are low. This stimulates the release of a hormone called Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) from the brain, leading to ovulation (the release of one egg) or sometimes superovulation, meaning the release of more than one egg. The more eggs produced in a cycle, the greater the chance of conception. Careful monitoring with ultrasounds during the process maximizes the chance of success, while minimizing the risk of twins and more than twins. For some women who are resistant to ovulation induction with pills, more aggressive medications such as Follicle Stimulating Hormone in the form of once-daily injections can be used, also with careful monitoring.

Many different conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, can influence the regular maturation and release of eggs. Irregular menstrual cycles may be a sign that a woman is not ovulating regularly. Ovulation induction can be used to help women ovulate regularly, but it can also be used to help regularly ovulating women to release more than one egg in a cycle – both improving chances of conception per cycle. In some circumstances, ovulation induction is also combined with intrauterine inseminations of sperm to further increase the odds of sperm making it into the fallopian tubes, where fertilization takes place.

Remember that induced ovulation simply increases the chances of a couple becoming pregnant, but it is never a guarantee. In fact, no fertility treatment guarantees pregnancy, though some offer a higher chance of success compared with others. Many factors should be considered, particularly the cause of infertility, so that all individuals find the right treatment course to a successful pregnancy.

How Does It Work?
Ovulation Induction is a process in which the ovaries are stimulated by fertility medication to produce ovulatory follicle(s). Typically, a combination of oral fertility medication and injectable fertility hormones (follicle stimulation hormone) are used to stimulate the ovary to produce 2 mature follicles. Each mature follicle contains 1 egg that is capable of being fertilized. In women who have irregular periods and do not normally ovulate, the goal is to produce 1 mature follicle and restore normal ovulatory function. In women who have regular menses and ovulate each month, controlled ovarian hyperstimulation is used to “superovulate” women in hopes of increasing pregnancy rates by producing 2-3 mature follicles per month. With controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, the goal is to increase monthly fertility rates back to that of a 20-year-old woman, approximately 20% per month. Multiple pregnancy rates account for 1-30% of these pregnancies, based on the age of the egg and the number of mature follicles obtained. The goal of controlled ovarian stimulation is to achieve a healthy singleton pregnancy.

COH Combined with Intrauterine Insemination (Success Rates)
During controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, ultrasound monitoring is performed in order to safely stimulate the ovaries.  Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is also recommended in conjunction with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) for couples with unexplained infertility and couples affected by mild/moderate endometriosis. The success rates of COH and IUI approximates the normal of 20% per month that is seen in fertile couples. However, the age of the woman and the fertility diagnosis can affect the success rate. If couples are not successful after 3-6 cycles of COH/IUI, a consultation is recommended to review the causes and possibly come up with a new plan.

For more information on this safe and effective means of restoring fertility, Utah Fertility Center encourages you to contact our fertility clinic in St. George, Pleasant Grove, Murray, Park City and Ogden, Utah, to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified Reproductive Endocrinologists. You can reach us at 801-785-5100.