Ovulation Induction

Ovulation induction is a therapy designed for women with ovulatory dysfunction.

The goal of ovulation induction is to induce the release of a limited number of oocytes from the ovaries, comparable to what happens in a normal ovulatory cycle.

The distinction between controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) and ovulation induction is that the goal of COH is to enhance fertility by increasing the number of oocytes that are recruited.

An interruption of the ovulatory process or a complete absence of the process all together is a barrier to fertility. The benefit of ovulation induction is to induce ovulation when it is not occurring naturally.

Ovulation induction typically refers to therapies that use oral ovulation induction agents. The medications most commonly used are clomiphene citrate, tamoxifen, and letrozole.

The risks associated with ovulation induction are pregnancy, a small increased risk of multiple gestations, and the risks associated with taking medication.