Who needs ovulation induction?

Ovulation induction is recommended for women with PCOS, irregular or absent periods, unexplained infertility, or hormonal imbalances affecting ovulation. It's also used to enhance fertility in women preparing for IUI or to optimize timing for conception even with regular cycles.

What medications are used for ovulation induction?

Common medications include oral options like Clomid (clomiphene citrate) and Letrozole (Femara), typically tried first. Injectable gonadotropins (FSH/LH hormones) are used for women who don't respond to oral medications. The choice depends on your diagnosis, age, and previous response to treatment.

What are the success rates for ovulation induction?

Success rates vary by age and diagnosis. With ovulation induction alone and timed intercourse, pregnancy rates are about 10-15% per cycle. When combined with IUI, rates increase to 15-20% per cycle. Most successful pregnancies occur within 3-6 cycles of treatment.

What are the risks of ovulation induction?

Risks include multiple pregnancy (twins in 5-12% of cases), ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (rare with oral medications, more common with injectables), and mild side effects like hot flashes, mood changes, or bloating. Careful monitoring minimizes these risks.

How is ovulation induction monitored?

Monitoring includes baseline ultrasound before starting medications, serial ultrasounds to track follicle growth (usually 2-3 scans per cycle), blood tests to measure hormone levels, and timing recommendations for intercourse or IUI based on follicle maturity and hormone surge.

Ovulation Induction

REGULATE YOUR CYCLE, IMPROVE OVULATION, AND INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF PREGNANCY WITH EXPERT-GUIDED TREATMENT

Ovulation Induction in Houston

If irregular or absent ovulation is making it difficult to conceive, ovulation induction treatment may be your first step toward building a family. At the Advanced Fertility Center of Texas (AFCT), we offer evidence-based monitored and safe ovulation induction (OI) treatment cycles and ovulation induction medications designed to stimulate the ovaries and promote the release of healthy eggs.

Since 1999, our experienced team has been dedicated to providing personalized fertility care throughout the Houston area and now we also serve The Woodlands and Bryan-College Station. At AFCT, we're proud to offer individualized fertility options and compassionate support to help our patients achieve their best possible chances of success.

What is Ovulation Induction?

Ovulation induction is a fertility treatment that uses oral or injectable medications to stimulate or regulate ovulation. It's often paired with timed intercourse or Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) to improve your chances of pregnancy. Many patients begin with ovulation induction fertility before moving on to more advanced procedures like IVF.

This treatment is ideal for women who:

Have irregular menstrual cycles
Don't ovulate regularly (anovulation)
Have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Want to optimize their ovulation timing for IUI or natural conception

Learn more about Ovulation Disorders

TREATMENT ELIGIBILITY

Who is a Candidate for Ovulation Induction?

Ovulation induction treatment may be recommended if you:

Experience irregular or absent periods
Have hormonal imbalances preventing ovulation
Have unexplained infertility and want a less-invasive first step
Are you preparing for IUI or timed intercourse
Want to optimize cycles before using donor sperm

It's commonly used by couples, single women, and LGBTQ+ individuals who want to safely and effectively time ovulation before insemination or IUI. During your consultation, we'll run fertility tests (AMH, FSH, ultrasound) to determine if ovulation induction fertility is right for you—or if you may benefit more from IVF.

THE OVULATION JOURNEY

How Does Ovulation Induction Work?

A comprehensive guide to stimulating and monitoring ovulation for fertility treatment

Fertility Evaluation

We perform hormone testing and an ultrasound to assess ovarian reserve and rule out other infertility factors.

Personalized Medication Plan

You'll be prescribed either an oral medication (Clomid or Letrozole) or injectable gonadotropins, depending on your diagnosis.

Monitoring

You'll have ultrasounds and bloodwork to track follicle growth and hormone levels, ensuring the right timing for ovulation.

Timed Ovulation & Conception

Once follicles reach maturity, ovulation is either triggered with a medication or monitored for natural release. You'll then have timed intercourse or IUI at the ideal window.

FERTILITY TREATMENT

Medications Used for Ovulation Induction

Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate)

Common first-line oral medication
Helps stimulate the ovaries to release eggs
Often used in women with PCOS

Letrozole (Femara)

Another oral option that may have fewer side effects than Clomid
Shown to be highly effective for PCOS patients

Injectable Gonadotropins

Used for patients who don't respond well to oral medications
Often combined with IUI for higher success rates

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Ovulation Induction vs. IVF – Which Is Right for Me?

Ovulation induction treatment is a less invasive, more affordable treatment for women who simply need help ovulating. IVF is usually recommended for:

Women over 35
Couples with male factor infertility
Patients with blocked fallopian tubes
Those who've had multiple failed IUIs or ovulation cycles

Ready to Start Your Fertility Journey?

Ovulation induction is often the first step to restoring your fertility and improving your chances of pregnancy.

Book Your Appointment

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