Ovulation induction is often needed when a woman produces healthy eggs but is unable to release them. It is a treatment designed to stimulate not only the production of eggs but their release as well. Here is some information on who is a good candidate for this treatment and how it is typically performed.

Who is a Candidate?

Many fertility issues can be linked to ovulation problems. That is why one of the first infertility treatments often recommended is ovulation induction for couples having difficulty conceiving. In order to determine whether or not a woman is a good candidate, however, she has to meet several criteria.

For example, a woman’s ovary needs to be able to produce healthy eggs because the procedure will serve no purpose otherwise. Then, if the ovary is found to be healthy, a doctor will have to rule out alternative fertility issues. These include uterine abnormalities, endometriosis and fallopian tube damage. In addition, the woman’s partner also needs to be examined for potential male infertility problems.

How it Works

Ovulation induction is often performed through administration of a drug known as clomiphene citrate. Clomiphene citrate works by stimulating the ovaries’ follicles, which can sometimes result in multiple eggs being produced. The drug also controls when eggs are released, making it possible to plan intercourse or an in-vitro fertilization procedure when the chances of conceiving are at their highest. If the drug proves ineffective, then fertility drugs may be injected. There are other instances where a combination of both approaches is used.

The chances are very good that a woman will be able to better regulate her ovulatory cycle after ovulation induction treatment.

If you would like to learn more about ovulation induction or schedule an appointment, please contact DFW Center for Fertility and IVF online or call us at 469-854-0305.