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.
