Multiple pregnancy
There is a higher chance of conceiving twins or triplets.
Ovarian Stimulation
Highly effective fertility treatment
What is Ovarian Stimulation?
Ovarian stimulation is a highly effective fertility treatment used to address ovulation disorders or to enhance the success of assisted reproduction. This treatment can be administered on its own to regulate or induce single ovulation, thereby restoring natural fertility. In the context of in vitro fertilization (IVF), the goal is to obtain a larger number of mature eggs and embryos, allowing for the selection of the most viable embryos.
Ovarian stimulation is recommended for individuals experiencing ovulation or hormonal dysfunction, unexplained infertility, or those undergoing assisted reproduction techniques.
Risks of Ovarian Stimulation
While ovarian stimulation is generally safe, there are some potential risks to be aware of:
Ovarian cysts
These are typically functional (temporary) and often resolve on their own.
Medication side effects
Headache, abdominal discomfort and bloating, discomfort at the injection site, allergic reactions, nausea
Other potential risks
Ectopic pregnancy (especially in cases of tubal dysfunction or history of ectopic pregnancy)
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
It is rare outside of IVF.
How is Ovarian Stimulation
Administered?
Ovarian stimulation is administered through a combination of medications and monitoring to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
Method
The medication can be taken orally or via injections at home.
Duration
Treatment is usually administered over a period of 5 to 10 days, depending on your response.
Monitoring
During the entire ovarian stimulation process, you are closely monitored.
It is recommended:
- Hormone dosing - determination of hormone levels is done by blood tests. The results are interpreted and, based on them, the doses of medication are adjusted.
- Transvaginal ultrasound - this imaging method visualizes the ovarian follicles. They are evaluated periodically to determine when they reach the size required for ovulation, how many will mature and their location.
FAQs about Ovarian Stimulation
Everything you need to know about your journey to conceiving a baby.
Are the injections painful?
The vast majority of injections are given subcutaneously and are not painful.
Can hormone treatment have long-term risks?
Long-term studies do not show an increased risk after hormonal stimulation. There is no evidence that medication increases the risk of genital cancers. This risk is increased in all instances of infertility, even in the absence of fertility treatments, according to current scientific knowledge.
Does ovarian stimulation speed up menopause?
Ovarian stimulation does not consume the eggs faster, but, on the contrary, it saves eggs that would have been lost in that cycle. This allows them to grow and ovulate.
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