Ovulation Induction (OI)

Ovulation Induction (OI) is a simple process that encourages your eggs to form and develop, and is often the first course of action in tackling female fertility issues. OI significantly increases your chance of conception through intercourse or artificial insemination (IUI). It is beneficial if you’re producing low levels of hormones for ovulation, or if you’re not ovulating at all, and just involves a course of medication (as tablets or injections) to stimulate your hormones:

You can take Clomiphene citrate (sold as Clomid or Serophene) as part of IUI treatment.
Injections of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) can further boost your chances of success, but can also increase the risk of a multiple pregnancy.

How Ovulation Induction works

First, we confirm your ovulation cycle by taking blood samples, to measure hormone levels at specific stages of your cycle. Then we do a transvaginal ultrasound to check the development of follicles in the ovaries, and the thickness and appearance of the lining of the womb.

The Ovulation Induction cycle

Day 1 of your menstrual cycle Call the clinic to arrange an appointment for a blood test.

Days 2-5 Start taking medication at your doctor’s direction.

Day 10 or 11 Visit the clinic for a blood test to determine your hormone level.

Day 14 (approximate) Attend the clinic for an ultrasound test. This will determine if you are about to ovulate.

If you don't have a normal menstrual cycle, it can take some time to ovulate. In fact, for some, ovulation sometimes happens much later in the cycle (after day 14). If this is the case, you need to continue attending the clinic for blood tests until ovulation.