Ovulation induction

What is ovulation induction

Ovulation induction is a medical treatment aimed at achieving optimal maturation of one or more eggs.

Medication for ovulation induction is usually injected intramuscularly or subcutaneously.

The prerequisites for ovulation induction are:

  • A full gynaecological examination.
  • Additional tests to rule out any associated conditions that may hinder or prevent pregnancy.

Factors such as maternal age, as well as other causes that may affect fertility, can influence the outcome of the treatment. For this reason, it is often necessary to perform more than one cycle to achieve a pregnancy.

It is generally recommended to carry out three to six treatment cycles. When a cycle is unsuccessful, it is important to review all the available information and make any necessary changes (a different dose, a more thorough monitoring, etc.). If, nevertheless, pregnancy is not achieved, the possible existence of other conditions and/or the advisability of resorting to other assisted reproductive techniques should be considered.

What are the phases of the treatment

The whole process, from the beginning of the treatment until the embryo is transferred, lasts approximately 15 days, and consists of the following phases:

Programming the induction cycle

The month before, we will schedule the treatment and give you instructions on how to start the medication.
1

Oocyte maturation

You should start hormone injections during the first few days of your period and continue until one or more eggs are mature. Doses may vary from patient to patient and from cycle to cycle.
2

Ovulation monitoring

Between 5 and 7 days after the beginning of the induction treatment, we will start monitoring your ovulation by means of vaginal ultrasounds and blood tests. You will have 3 to 4 ovulation checks per cycle.
3

Ovulation

Once your eggs have matured, ovulation must be triggered by administering a specific medication. Ovulation usually takes place between 36 and 40 hours later.
4

Timed intercourse

The most appropriate time for sexual intercourse will be scheduled.
5

Preparation of the endometrium

The endometrium is the layer that lines the inside of the uterus and must be well prepared so that the embryo can implant properly. To this end, another medication is administered after ovulation to ensure that the uterus is ready.
6

Who it is for

This treatment is recommended for all women presenting ovulation abnormalities. These abnormalities are closely related to menstrual disorders such as amenorrhoea (absence of periods).

Possible complications

There is no scientific evidence of possible long-term side effects of ovulation induction treatments on women’s health.

There are two major risks of short-term ovulation induction treatment: the most common is multiple pregnancy (15-20%), the less common is ovarian overstimulation or hyperstimulation (less than 1%).

Monitoring the number and size of the patient’s follicles and her oestradiol levels during ovulation checks allows us to recognise those cycles that have a higher risk of hyperstimulation and multiple pregnancy and which, on a case-by-case basis, it may be advisable to cancel.

Once pregnancy has been achieved, the possible risks for the mother and the foetus are the same as for a spontaneous pregnancy, with the exception of the complications arising from a possible multiple pregnancy, such as prematurity or low birth weight.

Success rates

The pregnancy rate for ovulation induction is between 15% and 25% per treatment cycle.

0%

Why choose us

Comprehensive monitoring with tests

We carry out a thorough monitoring with ovulation checks to determine the exact day of ovulation and, thus, schedule the most suitable time for sexual intercourse.

Psychological support

We provide psychological support in case of emotional overload, an issue which frequently affects women who undergo assisted reproduction treatments.

We are pioneers in reproductive medicine

We have more than 80 years’ experience behind us and a team of highly qualified and specialised professionals. The first Spanish test-tube baby was born in our clinic (1984) and Spain’s first egg donation treatment was carried out here, which culminated in the birth of twins (1988).

High success rate

The pregnancy rate for ovulation induction is between 15% and 25% per treatment cycle. These results will always depend on different factors such as maternal age.

Facilities and 24-hour emergency service

All medical consultations and tests can be carried out in the same medical centre, and we offer a 24-hour emergency medical service.

More information and prices

Call us free from the UK:

Other countries:

Or, if you prefer, fill in this form and we’ll call you

We inform you that the Data Controller is Consultorio Dexeus, S.A.P. Your data will be processed in order to contact you to arrange a visit in our centre. If you expressly authorize us, we will periodically send you a newsletter with information about the activity, services and news that may be of interest to you. This consent can be revoked at any time. At any time you can exercise the rights of access, rectification, deletion, portability, limitation and opposition before the data protection officer at dpd@dexeus.com. You also have the right to file a claim with the data protection control authority. You can consult the extended information in the privacy policy of the web.