How to Induce Ovulation
Ovulation, the release of a mature egg or follicle, is necessary for a woman to become pregnant. Without ovulation, pregnancy can't occur. Unfortunately, some women do not ovulate normally on their own. If these women want to become pregnant, ovulation induction can be a good next step. Here are some of the ways to induce ovulation.
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Instructions
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Take clomid (clomiphene citrate) in pill form for several days at the beginning of the menstrual cycle. The particular dosage and days that you take clomid will vary depending on your particular situation and your doctor's recommendations. Ovulation can be induced by making the brain stimulate the release of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone).
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Use gonadotropin injections to replace FSH and LH (leutenizing hormone) that will stimulate ovulation. These drugs work on the pituitary gland and are injected into the muscle or under the skin. Some gonadotropin drugs include Pergonal, Repronex and Gonal F. Monitoring by a doctor is crucial when taking gonadotropins. Your personal physician will determine a schedule and treatment plan for you.
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Correct hyperprolactinemia (a higher than normal level of the hormone prolactin). The drug, bromocriptine, can correct this condition. The medication helps to lower the prolactin level in your blood, and in turn, induces ovulation in most women.
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Obtain a GnRH pump, which dispenses small doses of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). This particular hormone can help produce mature follicles and stimulate ovulation. You'll have to wear the pump around the clock and it can be cumbersome.
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Treat thyroid conditions. Some thyroid conditions, such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), can prevent a woman's normal ovulation, which can return if drugs are administered to help the thyroid function at a normal level.
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Tips & Warnings
The cost for ovulation induction drugs varies widely. Some drugs may be covered by your insurance. Check with your doctor, your insurance plan or your pharmacist for actual costs and insurance coverage.
Only your doctor can help you determine which ovulation induction technique is the right one for you.
When ovulation is induced, it's important to be aware of the increased risk for multiple births, and the risk varies, depending on the type of treatment being used for ovulation induction.
All of these ovulation inducing drugs have side effects associated with them. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to discuss the side effects with you and what you should look out for.
Ovarian hyperstimulation, when the ovaries become over stimulated, is a serious complication that can be associated with ovulation induction. This complication is not common, but it should be discussed with your doctor before undergoing any ovulation induction.
The information in this article is not meant to serve as a substitute for regular medical advice and care. Always ask your doctor about your own specific medical conditions and situation.
