Ovulation is one of the key factors for a successful pregnancy. If the egg does not mature and release naturally, this process can be supported with medical treatment. This is called ovulation induction or follicle stimulation.
Ovulation induction or follicle stimulation therapy may be suitable for women who do not ovulate spontaneously or whose ovulation is irregular. Treatment can be helpful if you are undergoing insemination treatment and ovulation induction is carried out to optimize the likelihood of pregnancy.
This treatment is especially effective when ovulation is the main or only factor compromising fertility. However, it is not be suitable if ovulation failure is caused by ovarian insufficiency or severely reduced ovarian reserve. In such cases, other fertility treatment options may be recommended.
Before starting treatment, every patient receives an individual evaluation to ensure that ovulation induction is the most appropriate and effective option for her situation.
Before starting treatment, it’s important to understand the cause of the ovulation disorder and whether the situation can be improved with other measures.
The aim of ovulation induction is to stimulate the ovaries with hormonal medication to produce and release one or two mature eggs per menstrual cycle. Depending on each patient’s situation, treatment can be combined with timed intercourse or insemination. Ovulation induction medication can be taken as tablets or as subcutaeous injections. Most commonly, tablet-based treatment is used first.
Tablet treatment is typically relatively simple. In Finland, the most commonly used medication is letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor. It temporarily lowers estrogen levels, causing the body to compensate this by increased FSH secretion, which stimulates follicle growth and egg maturation enabling ovulation. Tablets are usually taken for five days at the beginning of the cycle. Side effects are possible but usually mild and short lived.
The effectiveness of the treatment (number and size of follicles and thickness of the uterine lining) is monitored with ultrasound, typically requiring only one visit per cycle. If necessary, injectable gonadotropins can be combined to the treatment. Once the appropriate effectiveness is confirmed (one ovulating follicle and sufficient endometrial lining), letrozole treatment may be continued in future cycles without ultrasound checks, following the doctor’s instructions. It is crucial to evaluate the treatment’s effect during the first cycle.
If the tablet treatment alone is not sufficient, ovulation can be stimulated using injectable medication. Treatment usually begins on days 2–5 of the cycle, with small doses of gonadotropins injected daily. The response (follicle growth and uterine lining thickness) is monitored with ultrasound scans every few days. If needed, blood tests can be used to measure hormone levels, though ultrasounds are often sufficient. The injections are easy to use and come with very thin needles. Our nurses at Ovumia will carefully guide you through the process at the clinic.
Careful monitoring during ovulation induction is necessary for the best chance of pregnancy and reducing the risk of complications (multiple pregnancies). For best results, intercourse or insemination should be timed around ovulation. Ovulation can be detected with an at-home urine ovulation test (LH test). Ovulation can also be triggered using an chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection
If ovulation is the only factor affecting fertility, the chances of success are very high. If ovulation cannot be achieved or pregnancy has not occurred after 4–6 cycles, other fertility treatments may be considered.
The length of treatment varies individually. In successful cycles ovulation usually takes place between cycle days 10 and 18. Many women respond within the first few cycles, but it may take up to 4–6 cycles to achieve pregnancy. If ovulation does not occur or pregnancy has not been achieved within this time, your doctor may recommend other fertility treatment options.
Yes, ovulation induction is a safe and well-established treatment when carefully monitored by a fertility specialist. Ultrasound follow-ups help ensure that the ovaries respond appropriately and reduce the risk of complications, such as multiple pregnancies.
Success depends on several factors, including age, overall health, and the cause of ovulation problems. If ovulation is the main fertility issue and no other conditions are present, success rates are high. Your doctor will discuss your personal chances after an individual medical evaluation.
In Ovumia, we are always ready to help you!
