If you have an irregular menstrual cycle and are trying to get pregnant, you may be finding it a challenge. Here at The Fertility & Gynaecology Academy we often recommend ovulation induction. This technique allows us to monitor your cycle through hormone assessments and ultrasound scans. This helps to identify the optimal fertile time to have natural conception.

However, if ovulation is not happening, fertility drugs are often administered to stimulate the follicles in the ovaries, resulting in production of multiple eggs in one cycle. These fertility drugs are available in both tablet and injection forms and are normally given within the first few days of your cycle. The result of your egg production is monitored through ultrasound scans.

As part of the ovulation induction process, an initial blood test will be required to determine your ovarian reserve. This will help us ascertain the correct protocol of treatment and the dosage of drugs required. Throughout the drug treatment, our consultants will monitor your progress via vaginal ultrasound scans and more blood tests.

The medications also control the time you release the eggs. This enables scheduling of sexual intercourse or IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) and IVF procedures at an optimal time to achieve pregnancy. We recommend that you take folic acid and vitamins to improve your nutrition intake.

There are some risks associated with the fertility drugs used in ovulation induction. These include a slightly higher chance of twin pregnancy and development of ovarian cysts. A rare side effect – Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) – can also occur.

More information on some of the most commonly used fertility drugs is available on the HFEA website.

To discuss with a leading fertility consultant if ovulation induction is right for you, please call us to book a consultation on 020 7224 1880.