Ovulation induction

What is it?

The principle of ovulation induction is to stimulate the ovaries with fertility drugs to produce a few eggs and allow fertilisation to occur naturally through intercourse. The most commonly prescribed drug is clomiphene citrate (Clomid). It is taken daily for approximately five days at the start of the woman's cycle, and works by stimulating FSH and LH so that follicle development and ovulation can occur. It is essential that intercourse is timed to coincide with ovulation.

Other hormone treatments include injectable FSH, which is also used to stimulate the development of multiple follicles.

When is it appropriate?

It is usually offered if tests show that anovulation as a result of hormonal imbalances is the cause of infertility.

Success rate:

Clomiphene citrate induces ovulation in about 80 percent of women who were not ovulating before treatment and around 40 percent of those women fall pregnant within three months.

Possible drawbacks:

Clomid can have side-effects such as hot flushes, abdominal cramps and mood swings.