Ovarian Stimulation

Ovarian stimulation is the treatment most frequently prescribed by the specialist. Stimulation may be performed as a single treatment or as a complement for other treatments such as insemination, in vitro fertilization or ICSI.

As a single treatment, it has the purpose of generating a larger number of eggs in order to increase pregnancy chances. It is a known fact that every month, without any treatment, women will produce one egg. It is only natural to think that the possibilities of an egg's being fertilized will increase when the ovary is stimulated to produce a larger number of eggs. It is also a known fact that sometimes, when stimulating the ovaries, we do not only increase the number of eggs but also their quality, getting a more receptive endometrium (the site where the embryos will implant).

To stimulate the ovaries, we use different drugs like clomiphene citrate and gonadotropins, which can be administered orally or by intramuscular or subcutaneous injections. Stimulation should start between the second and fifth days after the menstrual period and it is necessary to perform transvaginal ultrasound controls (ovulation monitoring) in order to evaluate the growth of the ovarian follicles containing the eggs. Once the follicles have grown about 18-22 mm (0.71-0.87 in), either the intercourse or the intrauterine insemination will be timed.

Complications derived from ovarian stimulation are Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome and Multiple Pregnancies. To prevent complications it is essential to monitor ovulation carefully so as to cancel the cycle if necessary (i.e. in the presence of big multiple follicles) and initiate a new cycle with a minor dose of the drugs.