Ovulation Induction involves using fertility medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce more than one mature egg per cycle.
We carefully monitor patients with blood tests and pelvic ultrasounds to optimize the medication dosing and timing of sperm exposure through intercourse or insemination.
Increasing the number of mature eggs per cycle that are the “targets” for sperm will often increase the chance of pregnancy each month.
Clomid
Clomid is one of the world’s most popular medications to help women conceive. Also known by its generic name, clomiphene citrate, it is marketed under the brand name Serophene.
Clomid primarily helps stimulate ovulation. It works at the level of the hypothalamus, where it blocks estrogen receptors, making the body think estrogen levels are lower. The hypothalamus responds by producing more gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). GnRH then stimulates the pituitary to produce follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). These hormones stimulate follicular production and ovulation.
Clomid is appropriate for women with ovulatory infertility and is simple to take. Dr. Blotner recommends sexual intercourse or intrauterine insemination timed to coincide with ovulation, determined by cycle monitoring.
Ovulation Induction Side Effects
Clomid can cause side effects such as hot flashes, visual disturbances, nausea, and bloating. There is always the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) if the woman produces too many follicles. Patients are also at risk for multiple births, including twins and triplets.
Success Rates
Pregnancy usually occurs during the first three months of infertility therapy.