A Guide to Ovulation Induction (OI)

Ovulation Induction is one of the most common and well-established fertility treatments. It's a gentle and effective way to help your body mature and release an egg (ovulate), significantly increasing your chances of conceiving.

At Bridge Clinic, we often recommend Ovulation Induction as a first step in a fertility journey. It's a simple process that helps to regulate and enhance your natural cycle. 📅

Who is Ovulation Induction For?

Ovulation Induction is an excellent treatment option for individuals who:

• Have irregular or absent periods: This is the most common reason for OI. If you don't ovulate regularly (a condition called anovulation), this treatment can create a predictable cycle. It's a highly effective therapy for people with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

• Have unexplained infertility: For some couples, even though ovulation occurs, a little boost can help. In these cases, we may aim to stimulate the release of two or three eggs (known as superovulation) to increase the odds of at least one becoming fertilised.

The Ovulation Induction Process: Step-by-Step

An OI cycle is carefully managed by our team and typically follows these steps:

Step 1: Baseline Scan

On one of the first few days of your period, you'll have a simple ultrasound scan to ensure your ovaries are quiet and ready to begin treatment.

Step 2: Ovarian Stimulation

You'll take medication to encourage your follicles to grow. There are two main types:

• Oral Tablets (Clomiphene or Letrozole): These are usually the first choice. You take them for about five days at the start of your cycle. They work by signalling to your brain to produce more of the hormones that stimulate egg growth.

• Injectable Hormones (Gonadotrophins): If tablets are not effective, or if more control is needed, you may be prescribed daily self-administered injections of follicle-stimulating hormone (). The needle is very fine, and our nursing team will show you exactly how to do it.

Step 3: Cycle Monitoring

To track your progress and ensure the treatment is safe, you will visit the clinic for one or more ultrasound scans. We use these scans to measure the size and number of growing follicles. The goal is to see 1-3 mature follicles developing. This careful monitoring helps us time the next step perfectly and minimises the risk of multiple pregnancies.

Step 4: The Trigger Shot

Once a follicle has reached the ideal size (around 18-20mm), you will administer a final injection called a "trigger shot" (hCG). This hormone triggers the final maturation of the egg and prompts the ovary to release it approximately 36-40 hours later.

Step 5: Timed Intercourse or IUI

The trigger shot gives us a precise window for when ovulation will occur. At this point, we will advise you on the best time to either:

• Have intercourse at home to coincide with your most fertile time.

• Come into the clinic for an IUI procedure, where a prepared sperm sample is placed directly into the uterus.