Ovulation induction uses medication to help your ovaries release one or more eggs each cycle. It is one of the most common — and most accessible — fertility treatments, often the first step for women who are not ovulating regularly.
What is Ovulation Induction?
Ovulation induction stimulates the ovaries with medication to produce and release eggs. It is mainly used when ovulation is irregular or absent — most often in women with PCOS — but can also be used with intrauterine insemination (IUI) for unexplained or mild male-factor infertility. Treatment is monitored with ultrasound to track follicle development and minimise the risk of multiple pregnancies.
Medications Used
Letrozole: now first-line for PCOS, taken as 5 daily tablets early in the cycle
Clomiphene citrate (Clomid): an alternative oral option, also 5 days early in the cycle
Gonadotropins (FSH/LH injections): used when oral medications fail or for IVF
Metformin: not strictly an ovulation drug, but improves ovulation in PCOS
Ovulation trigger (hCG injection): times the release of mature eggs precisely
Success Rates and What to Expect
Letrozole induces ovulation in 70-85% of women with PCOS
Pregnancy rates of 20-25% per cycle, with 60-70% over 6 cycles
Higher chance of twins (5-10%) than natural conception
Ultrasound monitoring is essential to reduce multiple pregnancy risk
Most clinics try 3-6 cycles before moving to IVF if unsuccessful
Risks and When to Move On
Mild side effects: hot flushes, mood changes, bloating
Risk of multiple pregnancy (twins or more)
Rare risk of ovarian hyperstimulation, mainly with injectables
If 3-6 monitored cycles fail, consider IVF or further investigation
Always done under specialist supervision with cycle monitoring
Educational information, not medical advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to your doctor.