Ovulation Induction Helps Your Body Do It’s Job
Ovulation induction cycles are treatment cycles that use either oral or injectable follicle stimulating medications to help a woman’s body release egg(s) during her reproductive cycle. Because ovulation induction also allows us to control the timing to egg release, this method is often paired with an IUI to help ensure that sperm and egg meet to achieve pregnancy.
Ovulation via Oral Medications
Commonly used oral medications include Letrozole and Clomid. They are taken throughout a period of time to stimulate the growth of egg follicles. Once the follicles have reached a size that indicates egg maturity, an injectable medication is given to induce ovulation, also known as a trigger shot.
Once the trigger shot is administered, an IUI is typically scheduled 24-36 hours later to increase the chances of sperm reaching a mature egg. The effectiveness of this therapy depends on many factors, such as age, the condition of the woman’s fallopian tubes, and sperm quality. In general, the average success rates are 10-20% per try. There is a 7% risk of twins and 10% risk of mild side effects.
Oral ovulation medication cycle timeline 
Ovulation via Injectable Medications
Another option is to use FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) injectable medications to stimulate follicular growth. Injectable medications deliver a larger dose of FSH and encourage growth of follicles at a more aggressive rate than with the use of oral medications. When using injectable medications, IUI is almost always recommended to increase the chance of pregnancy.
Injectable medication cycle timeline
Cycle Steps for Ovulation Induction
Medication Start
On cycle days 3-5, you will begin medications at a prescribed dosage after an initial visit with your fertility specialist.
Monitoring
Ultrasounds and blood draws are performed throughout the treatment cycle to monitor when follicles have reached an appropriate size that indicates maturity.
Trigger Shot
Once your doctor determines that your follicles are ready, ovulation is induced with a trigger shot and your insemination is scheduled.
IUI
Your IUI procedure will take place at time of ovulation.
Pregnancy Test
A blood pregnancy test is drawn 15 days after ovulation.
Resources
Providing helpful tips, updates, and information to support you along your family building journey.
Medication Instructions
Learn how to safely and effectively use your injectable medications.
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Age & Infertility: What You Need To Know
Learn more about how age impacts fertility and potential treatment options.
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FSH Injectables: The Basics
Learn more about the basics of injectable medication treatment cycles.
Read more
Medication Instructions
Learn how to safely and effectively use your injectable medications.
Read more
Age & Infertility: What You Need To Know
Learn more about how age impacts fertility and potential treatment options.
Read more
FSH Injectables: The Basics
Learn more about the basics of injectable medication treatment cycles.
Read more