Ovulation Induction

Ovulation Induction

Ovulation induction, also referred to as controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, is often one of the first treatments recommended to patients and couples with fertility issues. Ovulation Induction is the use of fertility medications to help stimulate the recruitment of egg(s) development and/or trigger ovulation. These medications are given by injection. Pelvic ultrasounds and blood tests to measure hormone levels assist with monitoring egg(s) development to determine when one is most fertile and likely to ovulate. Assisted reproduction technology (ART) procedures, including IUI and IVF, utilize ovulation induction.

One of the risks of injectable fertility medications is the increase in multiple births to approximately one in five. The majority of these pregnancies are twins, but five to 10 percent can be triplets or more, referred to as higher order multiples. We are very careful in using these medications to minimize the incidence of multiple births.

Each patient and couple is unique. Therefore, Dr. Hunter will tailor treatment and prescribe medications to fit the specific needs of the individual patient or couple. In addition, Dr. Hunter and our staff will provide education and train an individual patient or couple on the possible side effects including Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), which can be associated with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and bloating. On rare occasions, severe OHSS may cause fluid to suddenly build up in the abdomen and lungs and could result in hospitalization.