OVULATION INDUCTION

Disturbances of menstrual cycle rhythm and ovulation represent a common cause for delayed fertility.  PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common association, but there are a variety of other genetic, nutritional, stress related and environmental causes of irregular ovulation.

When a woman does not ovulate, she cannot get pregnant naturally. The vast majority of anovulatory (don’t ovulate) or oligo-ovulatory (seldom ovulate) women can conceive successfully with ovulation induction treatments (OI).OI treatments help ensure that ovulation happens and with cycle monitoring,  accurately timed sexual intercourse ensures a chance of natural pregnancy.

Ovulation induction can be associated with an increased probability of twin and more rarely higher order multiple pregnancies such as triplets. Women’s Health Melbourne specialists and nurses have a proven excellent track record of helping women successfully conceive naturally using ovulation induction techniques, with the lowest possible risk of multiple pregnancy. We provide you with the option of carefully monitoring your cycle with ultrasound follicle tracking, blood tests and luteal phase progesterone support to ensure your highest chance of successful conception.

OVULATION DISORDERS

When a woman is not regularly ovulating, her menstrual periods are irregular in timing and can be heavy or prolonged in duration. Some women may find they go months without having a period and without ever ovulating. Where ovulation is impaired, a woman’s chance of becoming pregnant naturally can be extremely low, even in the absence of any other infertility factors.

Regular ovulation requires normal structure and function of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovary. Disturbances of other organ systems like the thyroid and adrenal glands can inhibit ovulation. Stress, eating disorders, excessive physical exertion including through recreational exercise, genetic conditions and systemic illnesses can also cause ovulation disorders. The problem solving first step is to determine why a woman is not regularly ovulating and the second is to create a solution for the problem.