Improve Your Odds with Ovulation Induction

The goal of ovulation induction is to ensure that ovulation will occur at the same time that the sperm will reach the egg(s).  This increases the likelihood that fertilization will occur and hopefully result in a pregnancy.

Here are the five main steps of the process:

Some of the most commonly used ovulation induction medications are:

• Clomiphene citrate (Clomid® or Serophene®)
• Gonadotropins are medications that are injected using a very small needle. These medications, which are used to stimulate follicle development, are known by the following trade names: Follistim®, Gonal-F®, Bravelle® and Menopur®

Your doctor will determine which medication(s) are right for you and answer any questions you may have prior to beginning your cycle. 

Your body naturally releases a substance called luteinizing hormone (LH) to trigger the release of eggs from your ovaries. In order to trigger the release of your eggs at the optimal time in your ovulation induction cycle, we often use medication. 

• Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is an ovulation medicine given by injection which can be used to trigger egg release. Commercial brands are known as:
• Pregnyl®
• Novarel®
• Ovidrel®

IUI is an effective treatment, especially for male factor fertility problems, unexplained infertility and irregular or absent ovulation. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is often combined with ovulation induction (also called superovulation) to as much as double your chances of a successful pregnancy.

Ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination (IUI) are a simpler, more basic way to begin fertility treatment.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) serves three basic purposes:

• IUI therapy places a high concentration of sperm into the uterus, decreasing the distance the sperm needs to travel and increasing the chance of sperm reaching the egg to achieve fertilization.
• By getting a higher number of sperm high into the female reproductive tract, it helps overcome mild to moderate male factor fertility problems.

Learn more about IUI treatment here.

Ovulation induction (particularly when paired with intrauterine insemination, or IUI) can help with fertility issues such as:

• Ovarian dysfunction (irregular ovulation)
• Infertility associated with endometriosis (a painful inflammatory condition of the female pelvis)
• Cervical factor infertility (related to prior surgery)
• Unexplained infertility (infertility in which the exact cause cannot be identified)
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a common female endocrine disorder

For ovulation induction and timed intercourse, you can expect to pay $1,000-2,000 per attempt, medications included.

For ovulation induction with intrauterine insemination (IUI), you'll pay anywhere from $3,830-$7,000 for each IUI cycle (without insurance). With insurance, the cost usually decreases.

Learn more about fertility treatment costs here.