Ovulation induction for IVF is a stepping stone on your path to parenthood
For patients who have tried other fertility treatment without success, our Tulsa fertility clinic doctors may recommend moving to IVF, or in vitro fertilization. The gold standard in infertility therapy, IVF takes multiple steps from beginning to end. Ovulation induction for IVF is a crucial step in the IVF process.
The basics of female ovulation
As part of female reproduction, most women who have gone through puberty have a monthly cycle to prepare for a potential pregnancy. In the first part of your cycle, follicles in the ovaries begin to develop, and one of the ovaries will release a mature egg during ovulation, usually in the mid-point of the cycle. If sperm reach the egg, fertilization occurs, and a pregnancy typically results. When no pregnancy develops, a menstrual period will usually follow in 10 to14 days.
How ovulation induction for IVF works
Fertility treatment with IVF may be a viable option for improving the chances of conception in certain cases, such as advanced maternal age, lack of ovulation, unexplained fertility and male factor infertility. The medications taken to produce ovulation also ensure that multiple mature eggs develop during one cycle. Typically, ovulation induction for IVF involves several steps.
- Taking follicle stimulating medications for 10 to 14 days
- Returning to our office for bloodwork and ultrasound exams to monitor follicle development
- Inducing ovulation with a trigger shot once the follicles are mature
- Egg retrieval about 36 hours later
What to expect with ovulation induction for IVF
We know that our patients invest a great deal of time, money and hope in fertility treatment through our Tulsa fertility clinic. Managing this phase of IVF requires organization and planning. We recommend that our patients review these important considerations related to ovulation induction for IVF.
- Timing is critical to ensure that ovulation and egg retrieval happen in sync. Patients or their partners usually self-administer the fertility medications needed to bring on ovulation, it’s important to keep a detailed schedule of dosing and timing.
- Taking these additional hormones can cause unpleasant side effects, such as hot flashes, bloating, abdominal pressure, irritability and moodiness.
- Watch for signs of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, a complication that can arise when the ovaries have an exaggerated response to the fertility medicines. Call your doctor if you develop nausea, diarrhea and moderate abdominal pain.
The appointments, medications and procedures related to fertility treatment can feel overwhelming. Our Tulsa fertility clinic team is committed to offering unwavering support to our patients every step of the way. Contact our office to schedule an appointment.
