Ovulation Induction is indicated where infertility is caused by a hormonal imbalance. Hormonal therapy is used to replace or enhance the hormonal stimulation necessary for a couple to successfully conceive. The two hormones FSH and LH control follicle development and ovulation respectively. When there is not enough of either hormone or they are not released at the right time, the process is impaired and the chances for conception are drastically reduced.

Hormonal Therapy includes the following medications:

Serophene or Clomid

This medication is prescribed for poor follicular development or ovulation failure. In the normal cycle, the hypothalamus (a gland situated in the brain) releases a hormone known as gonodotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). At the end of each cycle the hypothalamus is stimulated through the drop in the estrogen level to produce GnRh. The release of GnRH actually begins the next cycle. GnRH stimulates the pituitary gland (in the vacinity of the hypothalamus) to release the hormone FSH at the start of the cycle to stimulate follicle growth and it releases LH mid cycle to start the ovulation process. Clomid or Serophene stimulate the hyporthalamus gland to release more GnRH to increase to production of FSH and LH. When these medications are used a patient must be carefully monitored to prevent too many follicles developing putting the patient at high risk for multiples. If these medications are used over an extensive period (more than three months in a row) they will have a negative contraceptual effect on the cycle.

FSH or FSH/LH Injections

These hormones only come in injection form in FSH on it own or in a combination of FSH/LH.. Their function is to directly stimulate the ovaries. The FSH encourages follicular growth and the LH matures the egg and improves the ovulation process. Careful monitoring is essential to predict an accurate ovulation time and to prevent the risk of multiples. These injections are costly so should be used with caution.

Profasi or Pregnyl Injections

These injections are made up of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The function of hCG is to cause the release of the egg in the same way that LH does in a woman. The egg will be released 48 hours after the injection. This injection ensures that couples have intercourse at the right time, prior to the release of the egg and following the release of the egg. This hormone is the same hormone found in the blood if there is a pregnancy, therefore a pregnancy test done soon after the administration of Profasi or Pregnyl will give a false pregnancy result.