Ovulation Induction Medications Can Help with Fertility Treatment

Ovulation induction is necessary for many fertility treatments. Not only does it help trigger ovulation, it can also help increase the number of mature eggs released during a single cycle.

At the Center for Fertility and Gynecology, Drs. Michael Vermesh and Tannaz Toloubeydokhti use ovulation induction medications to help patients from Los Angeles, CA, and the surrounding Tarzana and Bakersfield areas improve their chances of successfully conceiving. To find out if ovulation induction medications are right for you, we welcome you to schedule a consultation.

About Ovulation Induction Medications

Ovulation induction is frequently done as the first step of many fertility treatments. With ovulation induction, one or more medications are given to encourage the follicles in the ovaries to release multiple mature eggs. Some of these medications also trigger ovulation so that eggs can be harvested for fertility treatment.

There are several medications that may be used to induce ovulation and encourage superovulation. The medications used often depend on the personal needs, age, and treatment plan for each patient, but may include one or more of the following ovulation induction medications.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is responsible for stimulating ovarian follicle growth before an egg is released from a follicle during ovulation. FSH can be given through a shot to help women with fertility issues ovulate.

For some patients, FSH alone may be enough to successfully conceive, but it may also be combined with other medications and fertility treatments to improve the chances of conceiving.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a naturally occurring hormone that the placenta generally produces after the implantation of an embryo.

When given for ovulation induction, hCG is used to stimulate the follicles in the ovaries to release their eggs and encourage the body to release progesterone, a hormone that helps prepare the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg.

Because hCG triggers the release of eggs, it's often called the trigger shot and is given about a day before egg retrieval.

Clomiphene Citrate

Clomiphene citrate helps treat infertility by encouraging the body to increase the production of FSH and stimulate the ovarian follicles to release multiple eggs in a single cycle.

Clomid and Serophene are the most common types of clomiphene citrate prescribed, both of which are taken orally.

Leuprolide and Synthetic Gonadotropin Inhibitors

Leuprolide and synthetic gonadotropin inhibitors are medications that prevent the release of gonadotropin hormones, FSH and LH.

Leuprolide and synthetic gonadotropin inhibitors are used to prevent ovulation and the release of eggs from happening too early.

Human Menopausal Gonadotropin

Human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) is an injectable medication that aids in ovulation induction. This medication includes the hormones FSH and LH.

Increasing FSH and LH levels through injections of hMG can encourage superovulation so that multiple eggs, instead of one, will be released in a cycle.

Schedule a Consultation

For more information about ovulation induction, or to discuss other fertility treatments, please call (818) 881-9800 to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors.