Ovulation induction is a common fertility treatment that a specialist may advise early in the process of trying for a baby.
Understanding ovulation and the menstrual cycle
To understand ovulation induction treatment, it’s important to first fully understand ovulation on its own, and how it relates to the overall menstrual cycle. There are four main phases of the menstrual cycle.
- Menstruation Phase: Also known as a period, menstruation is when the lining of the uterus begins to shed, which lasts between three and seven days.
- Follicular Phase: Beginning on the first day of the period and lasting 13-14 days, this is when a hormone stimulates the production of follicles on an ovary. Usually, one of these follicles will mature into an egg.
- Ovulation Phase: Once an egg has matured, it is released and travels towards the uterus. To achieve fertilisation and become pregnant, sperm needs to reach the egg during this phase which can last between 16 and 32 hours, though the fertile window includes the 5 days leading up to this as well. Ovulation happens around once per month.
- Luteal Phase: Beginning right after ovulation, this phase is when the cells in the ovaries release hormones to thicken the uterine lining in preparation for pregnancy. If a fertilised egg becomes implanted, this new thickness is maintained. If there is no pregnancy, however, the lining begins to shed and the cycle begins again.
The menstrual cycle is measured from the first day of your period to the first day of your next period, with the average length between 28 and 29 days, though this can fluctuate longer and shorter. Unfortunately, not every woman will have regular ovulation, which is when we may turn to ovulation stimulation.
What is ovulation induction?
Ovulation induction is an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) that involves using medication to create a more certain fertile window, and to stimulate the development and release of a mature egg. We use ovulation induction early in the process of trying to help individuals or couples who are struggling to fall pregnant naturally. People often find success with induced ovulation before moving on to more significant treatments like IVF.
When to go for induction therapy
An ovulation induction cycle is a good option for women who don’t ovulate regularly. This may be due to irregular or infrequent periods, or conditions like PCOS. Without a clear fertile window, it can be hard to know when is the best time to have intercourse, but the ovulation induction timeline provides a more certain ovulatory schedule and fertile window. Induction can also help women with unexplained infertility to fall pregnant.
When is ovulation induction not suitable
Unfortunately, there are some situations where we are unable or unlikely to recommend ovulation induction therapy. This is common for women who are over 38 years old, or women with severe endometriosis. We also don’t recommend the treatment in cases where couples have poor sperm morphology and motility, or to women with tubal blockage or damage.
How does ovulation induction work?
Going through ovulation induction is a minimally invasive process that can have a lot of benefits. We start with a fertility consultation where each patient will meet their specialist and have an open discussion about their goals and any previous experience with fertility treatment. Patients may be asked to undergo some tests to check their fertility and overall health before beginning ovulation induction. Our ovulation induction process follows these steps:
- Medication: We prescribe ovulation induction medication for patients to take that will stimulate their natural ovulatory process. Patients may be given oral medication or ovulation injections to do at home, but both methods help to promote the growth of the follicles containing eggs.
- Monitoring: To ensure your health while the medication makes changes to your system, we closely monitor you with ultrasounds and blood tests to check your follicles as they mature. This also helps us to pinpoint your fertile window and the best time to try for a baby.
- Ovulation: Once the egg has sufficiently matured, it will often release on its own, but we can use another injection to prompt ovulation if necessary. This extra injection mimics natural hormonal surges.
- Fertilisation: We recommend having regular intercourse during your fertile window to improve your likelihood of conceiving. We will advise you of the exact timing of your fertile window to help you make the most of your treatment.
- Testing: Around 2 weeks after your fertile window ends, we use a blood test to check if you are pregnant.
Depending on your unique fertility situation, we may use ovulation induction along with another fertility treatment in artificial insemination to give you the best chance of pregnancy. We understand that there are a lot of complex feelings throughout and after treatment, and we are committed to working through them with you.
How much does ovulation induction cost?
The cost of ovulation induction treatment can vary depending on different individual circumstances, and may also include different fertility assessments prior to treatment. Many of the costs encountered during fertility treatment are partially subsidised by Medicare. Patients can access a rebate if they receive a referral letter for their treatment. The Extended Medicare Safety Net (EMSN) also provides an additional rebate on top of the regular amount when your costs exceed an annual threshold. The EMSN threshold in 2024 is $2544.30.
At Create Fertility, we have different estimated out-of-pocket fees for our treatments. You can find out more about our estimated ovulation induction cost by speaking to one of our fertility specialists.
Ovulation induction success rates
As with any fertility treatment, it is not statistically likely that individuals or couples will achieve a pregnancy with one cycle of ovulation induction, and it may take multiple cycles for the desired outcome. There are a number of factors that play a role in the success of treatment, with the most notable one being the woman’s age, with younger patients typically more likely to fall pregnant.
Patients seeking any treatment can improve their likelihood of pregnancy by improving their overall health and wellbeing, through things like diet, exercise and stress reduction. Our specialists will also help you understand other treatment courses or specific lifestyle updates that could benefit you.
Ovulation induction side effects and risks
Adverse effects from ovulation induction are unlikely, but the treatment does still carry some risks that should be understood. The hormone stimulation medication may lead to exaggerated symptoms of the regular menstrual cycle, including tenderness, nausea and bloating.
Additionally, the use of stimulation medication carries the risk of multiple births, but our monitoring will help us identify if more than one egg releases and we will adjust accordingly. In rare cases, patients may develop Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). Patients should immediately speak to their doctor or fertility specialist if they begin experiencing pelvic pain, heavy vaginal bleeding or fever. However, most treatment courses progress without any serious complications.
For when you feel like it’s time
Beginning fertility treatment can feel daunting, but we are thoroughly committed to helping you feel at ease and achieving your pregnancy goals. Get in touch to start your journey with Create Fertility.
