For many individuals or couple struggling with infertility, IVF or in vitro fertilisation may seem their only option. However, there are several treatments that can be explored that may be less demanding than IVF. For some, ovulation induction and timed intercourse are all that are required to conceive.
For many individuals or couple struggling with infertility, IVF or in vitro fertilisation may seem their only option. However, there are several treatments that can be explored that may be less demanding than IVF. For some, ovulation induction and timed intercourse are all that are required to conceive.
There are many reasons why you may be struggling to conceive, but by supporting you through your infertility journey your chances of conception can be greatly improved. One option, known as Ovulation Induction, increases your ability to ovulate through the use of ovulation induction medications, coupled with Timed Intercourse which monitors your cycle to ensure you are optimising your fertile window.
We can also combine this with Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), which brings your eggs and sperm closer together at the right time.
In order to conceive, a woman must ovulate or release a mature egg. During the first phase of her cycle, follicle stimulating hormones (FSH) are released, stimulating the growth of 10-12 ovarian follicles. One of these follicles will become dominant and develop a mature egg, while the others will die off. Approximately two weeks into the cycle, luteinising hormone (LH) is released that triggers ovulation.
Two to three days after the LH surge, the egg is released from the ovary and must be fertilised by sperm within the next 24 hours or so. Ovulation disorders, when the menstrual cycle is irregular or when ovulation is failing to occur, are one of the most common causes of infertility.
Timed intercourse means monitoring the development of the follicles on the ovary and timing when you will ovulate to ensure you have the best chance of fertilisation. Ovulation induction medications can be used to help grow the follicles and produce more eggs to maximise your changes of conception.
How do you track when I will ovulate?
One way is to track your basal body temperature (BBT) which will rise slightly before ovulation due to the production of hormones. If your BBT does not increase, it could mean you’re failing to ovulate. Hormone and ultrasound tests will be performed to assess your cycle.
Are there any risks to Timed Intercourse and Ovulation Induction?
Women usually produce just one mature egg each cycle, but the fertility medication stimulates the ovaries to produce more eggs. This does increase the chance of multiple pregnancies.
Which Ovulation Induction medications are used?
These are typically oral medications, such as Clomid or Letrozole. Another option is injectable medications, such as hCG-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, that trigger ovulation.
Am I suitable for Ovulation Induction and Timed Intercourse?
These fertility treatments can be effective for couples that are experiencing infertility as a result of an ovulation disorder and male infertility is not a factor. For couples with unexplained fertility or if sperm quality, in terms of motility, count, and morphology, is a concern, we can combine with IUI.
When you are ready and the time is right for you, the next step is to contact us and we will help you arrange a face-to-face, telephone or video-call introduction with one of our consultants.
You can do this by filling in the contact form below or by giving one of our friendly team a call on +44 (0) 203 263 6025.
We really look forward to getting to know you and helping guide those next steps toward your dream family.