Ovulation Induction
The use of ovulation induction agents is one of the most commonly used treatments for many causes of infertility in Hawaii. Ovulation induction medications (commonly called “fertility drugs”) stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs during the treatment cycle. There are oral forms (clomid, letrozole) that provide a milder stimulation, and injectable forms which are analogs of FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) and/or LH (Luteinizing Hormone) (Follistim, Gonal F, Menopur, and others) that potentially provide a more potent stimulation.
Depending on your diagnosis and how aggressive your treatment plan needs to be, intrauterine insemination (IUI) may then be scheduled around the time of ovulation to achieve a pregnancy. To ensure the best chance for successful treatment, precise timing is required.
In most cases, your progress will be evaluated through frequent monitoring with ultrasound and blood work. The ultrasounds allow us to visualize the growing follicle (containing the egg) and to ensure that the lining of your uterus is ready to receive a fertilized egg. The blood work tracks your hormonal response to the medication. The injectable ovulation induction medications are also used to enhance your follicle development in treatments when in vitro fertilization is performed.