Overcoming Infertility with Ovulation Induction
Ovulation induction refers to the process of medically stimulating egg development and release through the use of fertility drugs or hormonal therapy. At Denver Fertility Albrecht Women’s Care in Lone Tree Englewood, CO, we provide ovulation induction to treat a range of conditions, including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Dr. Bruce Albrecht and Dr. Dana Ambler are fertility specialists with board certifications in reproductive endocrinology, obstetrics, and gynecology. The doctors can monitor your ovulation cycle and determine the optimal treatment plan so you can begin building your family.
When is Ovulation Induction Necessary?
There are several conditions which can be treated using ovulation induction. Anovulation and oligo-ovulation occur when a woman does not release mature eggs on a regular basis. While you may still have a menstrual cycle, this means you are not producing the necessary eggs for fertilization. Anovulation or oligo-ovulation are sometimes symptoms of another issue, such as PCOS or premature ovarian failure. By inducing ovulation through oral medication or injectable hormone therapies, our doctors can help to increase your chances of becoming pregnant.
Planning Your Treatment
Before recommending any type of hormone therapy or ovulation induction, Dr. Albrecht or Dr. Ambler will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine the cause of your infertility. In many cases, treating the underlying issue before beginning ovulation induction can significantly increase your chances of success. After your evaluation is complete, your doctor will develop a comprehensive plan, which may involve treatment for environmental factors or other conditions.
How Ovulation Induction Works
Ovulation can be induced by supplementing your naturally occurring hormones with hormonal therapy or by artificially inducing ovulation with certain medications. The optimal treatment will depend on the underlying cause of your ovulation issues as well as your personal preferences and lifestyle.
At Albrecht Women’s Care, we understand that this time can be stressful and emotional for patients. Our team is here to support you every step of the way throughout your treatment.
During ovulation induction, you will take an oral medication or administer an injection once a day. Typically, we recommend you do so in the evening. Dr. Albrecht or Dr. Ambler will monitor your progress using a combination of blood tests and pelvic ultrasounds. This testing allows your doctor to alter the dose as needed and also helps reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies.
Hormonal Therapy
Typically consisting of a series of injections, hormone therapy uses naturally occurring hormones, such as progesterone or gonadotropins, to stabilize your menstrual cycle. Hormone therapy is typically effective for women who ovulate irregularly. By encouraging your ovaries to consistently release eggs, hormone therapy can increase your chances of conception.
Fertility Drugs
For women who rarely or never ovulate, oral medications, such as clomiphene citrate or human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG), can stimulate ovulation. Oral medications are simple to take and typically have fewer side effects than injectable medications.
It is important for patients to understand that it may take several treatment cycles before they become pregnant. While other practices recommend in vitro fertilization (IVF) or other procedures fairly quickly, our team prefers to first thoroughly exhaust more conservative treatment methods.
Side Effects of Ovulation Induction
Side effects of fertility drugs are typically minimal but you may experience hot flashes, headaches, fatigue, nausea, mood changes, and sleep disturbances. Be sure to discuss any side effects with Dr. Albrecht or Dr. Ambler during your routine follow-up appointments. In some rare cases, a dangerous condition known as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) can occur. Your doctor will monitor your health closely throughout treatment to minimize your risk of developing OHSS.
Begin Your Journey
At Denver Fertility Albrecht Women’s Care, we understand that this time can be stressful and emotional for patients. Our team is here to support you every step of the way throughout your treatment. For more information on ovulation induction or the other infertility treatments we provide, call our office at (720) 420-1570 or contact us online today.
