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Ovulation induction
Ovulation induction (OI) is a fertility treatment that uses medication to stimulate ovulation and the likelihood of an egg in that cycle.
What is ovulation induction treatment?
Ovulation induction (OI) is a hormone-based fertility treatment that uses medication to stimulate ovulation for people who have ovulation irregularities (oligoovulation) or anovulation, where they are not ovulating or releasing an egg.
Ovulation occurs when an ovary releases an egg ready for it to be fertilised. Normal ovulation typically occurs once a month, around 14 days into each menstrual cycle. If not fertilised, the mature egg and uterine line will be broken down and leave the body via a period bleed which will follow approximately 14 days later.
For some people who have ovarian failure, irregular periods or no periods, conception can be more challenging. Ovulation disorders are the leading cause of female infertility, responsible for 25% of all female infertility cases.
The goal of ovulation induction is to improve ovulation patterns or increase the number of mature eggs released each month to increase the chances of conception through sexual intercourse or intrauterine insemination (IUI).
Who is ovulation induction best for?
Ovulation induction is a promising treatment option for individuals who ovulate irregularly or do not ovulate at all. However, fertility drugs are also the main treatment used for people with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), hormonal imbalances and other underlying fertility problems.
PCOS is a common hormonal disorder that can lead to irregular ovulation or no ovulation at all, making conception difficult. It also causes higher levels of androgen in the body, which is often characterised by excess facial or body hair, as well as the ovaries to become enlarged.
Ovulation induction helps by stimulating the ovaries to release eggs, significantly improving the chances of pregnancy. For women with PCOS, this is often a first-line treatment to regulate their cycles and support natural conception.
Irregular or absent periods can signal an ovulation issue. Ovulation induction can help by reestablishing a regular cycle, ensuring that ovulation occurs at a predictable time. This greatly increases the chance of pregnancy for those who may not ovulate consistently on their own.
Hormonal imbalances, such as low oestrogen or progesterone in women, or low testosterone in men, can impact reproductive function. Ovulation induction medications work by correcting these hormonal disruptions, stimulating normal reproductive processes in women, and in some cases, improving sperm production in men when paired with other treatments.
If there is a reduced number of sperm in the semen, or the sperm present do not move in the way that they should, this can drastically hinder the chances of conceiving, both through sexual intercourse and IUI. However, there are medications used for ovulation induction, such as clomiphene citrate, that can also be used to increase sperm concentrations and motility.
What is anovulation?
If you suffer from irregular periods or absence of regular periods, this is defined as anovulation. Blood tests to check thyroid, prolactin and progesterone levels can also indicate anovulation or hormone imbalances. Sperm tests done at home or in a clinic test the sperm quality and quantity.
What medication is used during ovulation induction?
The most common fertility drugs used for ovulation induction are either the hormone medications Clomifene (Clomid) or Letrozole (Femara). These are taken as tablets between days 2 and 6 of your cycle. If your body doesn’t respond to the tablets, then the next step may be to have medication injections of gonadotrophins to stimulate the ovaries.
How does ovulation induction work?
The medications contain hormones identical to the ones in your body stimulate the growth of follicles in the ovaries to produce eggs. The stimulated cycle is monitored by blood tests and ultrasound scans and advice on when is the best time to have intercourse or potentially IUI.
Are there any risks during ovulation induction?
There can be a risk of developing too many follicles which can lead to having multiples (twins, triplets etc). There are increased risks with multiples pregnancies.
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Book a consultation with a fertility advisor
Our approach to ovulation induction is different
All inclusive pricing and as much at-home care as possible.
Our costs may look higher. But, you won’t get any surprises.
Fixed Treatment Cycle Cost
One fixed price covers the essential aspects of your treatment cycle, including consultations, blood tests, ultrasounds, and personalised support from our dedicated team. This structure keeps your initial costs predictable and transparent.
Medication Tailored to You
We know that every individual responds differently to treatment, so we design a medication protocol based on your specific diagnostic results and health profile. Rather than paying for a one-size-fits-all medication package, you’ll only pay for the exact medication you need, allowing for truly personalised treatment.
Total cost: £745
Transparent prices. No surprises.
No unexpected payments
Pay in full or set up a plan
Dedicated advisor & Apricity app
What's included
CONSULTATIONS: Treatment planning doctors consultation, nurse consultation, 1 supportive counselling sessions with an independent counsellor, follow up consultations.
MONITORING: All follicle tracking ultrasound scans and hormone monitoring blood tests as required throughout your cycle. Pregnancy blood test and early pregnancy ultrasound scan.
ADMINISTRATION: All administration and documentation relating to your care and record keeping for 30 years as per HFEA code of practice.
BESPOKE JOURNEY: Virtual Consultations for your convenience. Flexible blood tests and ultrasound scans at a choice of our 160+ regional facilities (Multiple locations possible based on local availability). Extended hours support. Option for some blood tests to take place at home.
DEDICATED ADVISOR: Fertility Advisor available 7 days a week on extended hours to support you with any queries or questions throughout your journey.
COMPANION APP: Access to Apricity's in-house App to give you control and enable you to keep track of your treatment. Including medication information and reminders, appointment schedule, personalised guidance about your treatment, live chat with Apricity advisor team.
Apricity aims to provide an all-inclusive and transparent upfront agreement. Our packages are designed to include all the required consultations, scans, blood tests, procedures and fees associated with a typical treatment cycle. However there may be less common tests or treatment additions that will be discussed with you if recommended or required.
What’s not included
The following are not considered included in a typical cycle, however may be required or recommended for your own personal situation or at your treating clinic:
- Diagnostics tests
- Pre-treatment screening tests
- Saline Scans and HyCoSy
- Hysteroscopy
- Non-routine tests including but not exclusive to Natural Killer Cells, DNA Fragmentation, PGT-A, Zika Testing
- Medication charged separately
We are committed to providing a fertility journey based around your needs and preferences. Explore our additional services, which you can add to enhance your package upfront or any stage of your treatment.
Service | Cost |
|---|---|
Blood TestsAt home with a nurse | +£222 |
Egg, Sperm & Embryo StoragePer year, additional storage | +£360 |
Read our reviews on Doctify and learn more about how Apricity has helped people just like you.
Why choose Apricity
Fertility testing and treatment that works to make your life easier, not harder.
At-home services and appointmentsSpeak to a doctor and take a fertility test in the comfort and privacy of your home.
All-inclusive packagesTransparent packages that include everything. No hidden costs.
Next gen fertility clinicOur online clinic pairs fertility experts with cutting edge technology.
Speak with our fertility advisors
To find out if ovulation induction is right for you, book a consultation with one of our team.
Ovulation induction FAQs
How long does it take for ovulation induction to work?
The timeline for ovulation induction to work can vary from person to person. Generally, the treatment begins early in the menstrual cycle, with ovulation typically occurring within 7-14 days after starting the medication. Most individuals will experience a response within one or two cycles. However, if there are no underlying issues beyond ovulation difficulties, pregnancy can often occur within 3-6 months of starting treatment. If ovulation induction isn't successful, other fertility treatment options can be explored.
How successful is ovulation induction?
The success of ovulation induction depends on several factors, including age, the cause of infertility, overall health, and the type of medication used. For example, in women with conditions like PCOS, ovulation can be successfully triggered in up to
Is ovulation induction painful?
Ovulation induction is typically not painful. The process involves taking oral medications or, in some cases, receiving hormone injections. Some individuals may experience mild side effects like bloating or slight discomfort in the lower abdomen as the ovaries respond to the treatment, but these symptoms are generally manageable and short-lived.
Does ovulation induction improve egg quality?
Ovulation induction primarily focuses on encouraging ovulation, but it doesn’t directly improve egg quality. However, by stimulating regular ovulation and creating optimal conditions for conception, it can help in the development and release of a healthy egg. For individuals who are concerned about egg quality, other treatments or lifestyle modifications may be recommended in conjunction with ovulation induction.
Why does ovulation induction fail?
Ovulation induction can fail for a variety of reasons. Common factors include incorrect medication dosage, not responding well to certain medications, severe underlying hormonal imbalances, or issues unrelated to ovulation, such as blocked fallopian tubes or male factor infertility. In such cases, a fertility specialist will often adjust the treatment plan or recommend alternative approaches.
Does ovulation induction cause weight gain?
Weight gain is not a common side effect of ovulation induction, although some individuals may experience bloating or fluid retention during treatment. Any minor fluctuations in weight are typically temporary and related to the body's response to hormone stimulation.
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