Treatment FAQs - FERTIALLY

Dr Chris answers some of the frequently asked questions, and talks about common scenarios couples face during fertility treatment.

what is ovulation induction?

Ovulation induction is the process through which we stimulate the ovaries to produce and release the egg with the use of medication and we can either use tablets or injections that will mimic the endogenous hormonal mechanism that leads to the ovulation event.

what are the side effects of ovulation induction?

The medications that we use for ovulation induction can be either tablets or injectables. Both may have mild gastrointestinal side effects. Some patients complain of headaches, mood swings and visual disturbance. From all mentioned side effects the important one is ovulation disturbance that we need to make sure is not persistent and is not a result of our treatment.

how to track ovulation accurately?

The most accurate way to detect ovulation at home is by using LH kits. During ovulation, urine contains LH and it can be detected from the kits very early on.

To confirm ovulation would be either by having a scan (with a sonographer or a gynecologist, who will be able to detect the corpus luteum which is the remnant from the area on the ovary where the egg is released from), or by doing blood tests that confirm the surge of progesterone - the hormone that is released from the corpus luteum. Preferably, a combination of both ways would be the perfect way to confirm ovulation.

what are the success rates for ovulation induction?

Depending on the medical background and the age of the patient, success rates vary but a rough estimate of ovulation induction success would be around 45 to 70% after six cycles of treatment.

Full interview can be found here.