What Happens After Ovulation Induction?

If you’re having trouble conceiving, ovulation induction could be the first step to holding your own child at last. It’s estimated that 13.4% of women aged 15-49 have trouble conceiving or carrying a child to term. So, you definitely aren’t alone if you struggle with fertility.

Our team of reproductive specialists at University Reproductive Associates helps couples and individuals throughout New Jersey and the greater New York City metro area overcome fertility challenges using methods like ovulation induction.

Ovulation basics

Hormonal changes naturally trigger ovulation during a normal menstrual cycle. A follicle containing an egg “ripens” inside your ovary and then bursts. That allows the mature egg to enter the fallopian tube, which then travels down to reach the uterus. If sperm has passed the cervix, the egg may be fertilized. If not, the egg is washed out of the body during your period.  

Ovulation induction

If your body is having trouble releasing a mature egg, we may be able to prompt the process. First, we’ll perform an ultrasound about three days before your period is expected to begin. Once menstruation starts, you’ll wait at least three more days, then begin the ovulation process by one of two methods:   

Oral ovulation induction medications

We can give you Clomiphene (Clomid) or letrozole (Femara) to take 3-9 days from the start of your menstrual cycle. We’ll perform another ultrasound and look for egg development a few days later.  

Injectable ovulation induction medications

Alternatively, we can provide injections of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on day three of your period. The injections are repeated daily, and we’ll do regular ultrasounds to check for follicle ripening. Once a follicle measures 16-18 millimeters in diameter, we’ll inject a dose of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to trigger ovulation. 

After ovulation induction

Once you’ve ovulated, you proceed with the conception process. You may choose to simply have intercourse with your partner if that is an option. Otherwise, you may need intrauterine insemination (IUI). 

Don't give up if a follicle doesn’t ripen or ovulation doesn’t occur. You can try this process on several cycles before moving on to other forms of fertility treatments.

Induced ovulation has a 20-25% success rate. That’s almost exactly the same chances of success of conceiving for a person with no fertility challenges.

Can’t conceive? Think faulty ovulation processes are to blame? Contact our team at URA by calling 201-288-6330 or visit our contact page for more information.