Ovulation Induction
One egg is released from a mature follicle during ovulation; some women need help with this. To enhance the chances of pregnancy, doctors may administer medications to either stimulate the development of one egg or multiple eggs per cycle – this process is known as ovulation induction. During this process, patients will be monitored with ultrasounds and blood tests to assess the effectiveness of the administered medicine.
Medications Used in Ovulation Induction
Letrozole
Letrozole is a frequently utilized initial option for inducing ovulation. Commonly, it is prescribed for five days at the beginning of the cycle; however, given the customized treatment plans, this timing may vary between patients. The purpose of using this medication is to help the body make an egg or more than one egg. This is then combined with either intercourse or IUI for conception.
Letrozole – Risks
Like any other drug, letrozole may have some side effects such as headaches, nausea, hot flashes, and bone pain. This rarely causes patients to stop taking medications. Rarely, this medication can lead to a thin endometrial lining. If this happens, you may be recommended to try a different medication.
Your doctor will watch for over-response of your ovaries to letrozole. If this happens, your doctor will recommend termination of treatment, and a new plan will be created.
Injectable Gonadotropins (FSH)
Fertility drugs known as injectable gonadotropins are frequently recommended for stimulating egg growth within the ovaries.
Patients take these medications by injection – administered at home. Injections are administered daily until the eggs reach maturity. This progress is closely monitored through regular cycle monitoring appointments.
Injectable Gonadotropins (FSH) – Risks
The risk FSH medication that is most concerning is the possibility of having a multiple pregnancy, which means getting pregnant with several babies at once. These pregnancies can be high-risk; the best approach is to avoid them all together. Where there is excessive production of eggs, it may be recommended that patients discontinue taking FSH medications and avoid sexual activity to reduce the chance of a multiple, high-risk pregnancy.
Other side effects of FSH injections may include discomfort, soreness, and puffiness at the injection location. A small proportion of patients may also encounter bruising or welts around the injection site.
Injectable Choriogonadotropins (hCG)
Fertility drugs such as injectable choriogonadotropins can be recommended to stimulate the growth and release of a mature egg. These medications may be used in combination with another hormone (FSH) to help the healthy ovaries produce eggs.
Patients take these medications by injection – administered at home. Injections are administered usually the day after the last dose of follicle stimulating medicine or as directed by your doctor. This process is closely monitored through regular cycle monitoring appointments.”
Injectable Choriogonadotropins (hCG) – Risks
“Some side effects of hCG medication include nausea, vomiting, mild abdominal pain or swelling, and headaches. Patients may also experience pain, bruising, redness, or swelling around the injection site. This rarely causes patients to stop taking medications.
Rarely, this medication may lead to overstimulation of the ovaries. If this happens, your doctor will recommend termination of treatment, and a new plan will be created.”