What is ovulation induction? 

Ovulation induction is a medical treatment that can help improve ovulation patterns, or increase the number of eggs released each month. Treatments may include either oral medications, such as clomiphene citrate, or injectable medications.

Ovulation induction may be performed for a variety of reasons, but it is especially helpful in patients who do not ovulate regularly on their own, such as women with polycystic ovarian syndrome or other women with irregular menstrual cycles. Ovulation induction can also be used in women who ovulate regularly, to either improve the quality of their ovulation or to increase the number of eggs released each month, which increases the chances for pregnancy. 

Who is ovulation induction recommended for? 

Ideal candidates for ovulation induction with timed intercourse are patients with irregular ovulation and who have a partner with a normal semen analysis.

How does ovulation induction work?

Medications are typically prescribed during the first week of your menstrual cycle. We will then monitor your ovaries' response to the medication with an ultrasound later that month to help detect ovulation and to let you know when the best time for intercourse will be.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

When you come in for your appointment, a transvaginal ultrasound will be performed. We will look to see how many developing eggs are present in your ovaries. We may check hormone levels to help predict ovulation and to better time intercourse.