OVULATION INDUCTION
Your Parenthood Journey Starts Here
What is Ovulation Induction?
Ovulation Induction is a treatment that uses hormone therapy to induce or help regulate ovulation in women trying to fall pregnant.
Ovulation is the release of an egg from the ovary and is essential for natural conception. Around 36–40 hours after a rise in luteinizing hormone (the LH surge), the ovary releases an egg, which then travels down the fallopian tube to meet sperm for fertilisation.
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When ovulation does not occur regularly (a condition known as anovulation), conception becomes much more difficult. Irregular or absent ovulation, often linked to conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or hypothalamic dysfunction, is one of the most common causes of infertility. Other conditions, such as premature ovarian insufficiency (when the ovaries stop functioning before age 40) or hyperprolactinemia (excess production of the hormone prolactin), can also disrupt ovulation and make conception more difficult.
For many, the first step in treatment is ovulation induction, a carefully monitored process using medication to encourage or regulate ovulation and optimise the timing of intercourse.
How it works:
Ovulation induction involves taking hormone-based medication (tablets or injections) to stimulate the ovaries. Throughout the cycle, your progress is closely monitored with blood tests and ultrasound scans to track follicle growth and hormone levels. This ensures the right timing for egg release and helps your doctor recommend the best days for intercourse.
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Commonly used medications include:
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Tablets such as Clomid, Fertomid, Femara, or Laradex
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Injections such as Menopur or Gonal-F, which contain follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to encourage egg growth
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Because every woman’s response is different, the treatment plan, including medication type and dosage, is personalised and adjusted as needed.
Starting treatment
The first step is a consultation with a fertility specialist. During this session, both partners are encouraged to attend. Your doctor will review your history, order any necessary blood tests, and discuss your treatment options. A semen analysis should also be available, as sperm health plays a vital role in determining whether ovulation induction with timed intercourse is the right approach.
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Our team, including doctors, fertility sisters, and lab staff, will guide you through each stage, answer questions, and ensure you feel supported.
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​Ovulation induction is usually tried for 4–6 months, depending on your age and fertility profile. Couples over 38, or those with a known male infertility factor, may progress to other treatments sooner.
What to expect during a cycle
Your treatment cycle is carefully timed and monitored to give you the best chance of success:
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Day 1 of your cycle: Treatment usually begins with the first day of menstruation. You will contact the fertility team to confirm timing and plan the next steps.
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Starting medication: From Day 3 or Day 4, stimulation medication (in the form of tablets or injections) is prescribed to encourage your ovaries to develop one or more eggs.
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Early monitoring: An ultrasound scan is performed early in the cycle to check that the uterine lining is thin, the ovaries are clear of cysts, and the follicles are ready to respond.
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Follicle tracking: Between Days 10 and 12, additional scans and blood tests monitor the growth of the follicles and the thickness of the uterine lining. Adjustments to medication may be made if needed.
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Hormone checks: Blood tests measure luteinizing hormone (LH) levels to detect the surge that triggers ovulation. Because LH rises in short bursts, testing may be repeated over consecutive days.
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Timing intercourse: Once ovulation is confirmed, your doctor will provide the most fertile days for timed intercourse at home. This is the critical step where all the preparation comes together.
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Follow-up: If pregnancy does not occur in the first few cycles, your doctor may review the medication dose, adjust the treatment plan, or discuss whether to move forward with advanced options like IUI or IVF.