In a typical menstrual cycle, your body releases one egg—that’s called ovulation. But for some women, ovulation doesn’t happen regularly, or at all. If you're trying to get pregnant and this is happening to you, it can be incredibly frustrating. The good news is, you're not alone—and a fertility specialist can help you explore options to support your journey.

Many women beginning their fertility journey turn to ovulation induction therapy, in which the ovaries are medically induced (with either oral or injectable medication) to help produce eggs and increase the chance of pregnancy. There are several treatments that Reproductive Fertility Center may recommend depending on several factors that we will review below. If you and your partner are faced with this difficulty it is important to know that you are not alone and that you have options to help you conceive. 

For more information, Contact our dedicated Los Angeles team online here or call our office for help 310-881-8846

Ovulation Induction Medicine

If you have trouble ovulating or your periods are irregular, the first step in treatment often involves medication. These medications help your body release the hormones needed to grow and release eggs. They usually come in two forms—pills or injections. To figure out the best option for you, Dr. Saadat will look at your medical history, including your cycle patterns, age, weight, hormone levels, and how your body has responded to any past treatments.

There are two types of ovulation induction medication:

Oral Ovulation Induction Medicine

Oral medication is generally the first option for females who are undergoing ovulation treatment. Oral medications are painless and can help induce the egg production and, in some cases, increase the number of eggs produced. Common oral medications used for ovulation induction therapy are:

• Clomid
• FEMARA
• Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

Oral ovulation induction medication begins with an ultrasound and bloodwork during the third day of your menstrual cycle, where the oral medication is taken. Within the next 10-13 days, a transvaginal ultrasound will be completed to check on the egg development. During this time, Dr. Saadat will monitor your body’s follicle production and recommend when you should start to conceive naturally or through IVF.

Injectable Ovulation Induction Medicine

Injectable ovulation medication is generally recommended if oral medications are unsuccessful. Most injectable medication usually contains a follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a hormone to help stimulate the follicle production within the ovaries. Injectable medication options include:

• Gonal-f
• Follistim AQ
• Repronex
• MENOPUR
• BRAVELLE
• Lepori
• PERGONAL
• Luveris

Injectable ovulation treatment begins on day 3 of your menstrual cycle and monitored through ultrasound and bloodwork. Injectable medications are continued for six to ten days, depending on your body’s response. Dr. Saadat will be closely monitoring your body and recommend when you should conceive naturally. Depending on your body’s response to natural reproduction with medication, your treatment may be converted into an IVF treatment, allowing Dr. Saadat to have a higher risk of fertility.

Who Should Consider Ovulation Induction Therapy?

Ovulation Induction Therapy is most common with women who have absent of infrequent ovulation. This treatment is also commonly combined when going through the IVF process by stimulating multiple eggs for collection and fertilization.

Our team at Reproductive Fertility Center recommend women with the following symptoms to consider Ovulation Therapy:

1. Women with Hormone Imbalances
   Hormonal imbalances are one potential cause of irregular or absent ovulation. These imbalances are initiated from a women’s brain, ovaries, or adrenal glands and cause a lack of egg production. Hormonal medication such as clomiphene citrate (Clomid®) or human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) may be used to induce ovulation.
2. Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
   Women with a lack of ovulation may be experiencing polycystic ovarian syndrome, a hormonal disorder common in women of reproductive age. This condition prevents a woman from releasing eggs regularly or can even prevent ovulation altogether.
3. Women undergoing IVF – In Vitro Fertilization
   Ovulation induction may be prescribed to women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). A so-called “superovulation” is induced by the medication, where multiple eggs are produced to increase the chances of a women’s success in getting pregnant.

Start Your Fertility Journey with a Los Angeles Double-Board Certified Specialist Today!

Whether you are just starting your infertility journey, or you have been unsuccessful with other treatments our dedicated team of specialists are ready to help you. It is our goal to make you feel comforted and supported by providing you with more information.

Contact us online, or call us at 310-881-8846.

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