Ovulation induction (OI)
This treatment is useful for patients who have irregular cycles or no cycles at all
What is OI, and who is it for?
OI involves taking fertility drugs to stimulate ovulation and timing sexual intercourse to maximise the chances of achieving a pregnancy (if the patient has a male partner). This treatment is useful for patients who have irregular cycles or no cycles at all, for example, those with polycystic ovarian syndrome. For OI to be successful, the patient must have open fallopian tubes, and their partner must have a normal semen analysis.
How does OI work?
During the treatment cycle, the ovaries are scanned to make sure they are responding to the drugs. The patient can test for natural ovulation by using home testing kits, or they can take an injection to induce ovulation. Around the time of ovulation, the patient can have regular sexual intercourse or have intrauterine insemination with partner or donor sperm (see IUI page for information regarding this treatment).
Why is OI important?
OI is an effective treatment for those whose only fertility issues are with ovulation or irregular periods. It is a low-risk and minimally invasive treatment which is much lower in cost than IVF/ICSI treatments.
When is OI recommended?
Ovulation Induction (OI) is a fertility treatment aimed at stimulating the development and release of one egg from the ovaries. It involves the use of fertility drugs, either oral or injectable . OI is often recommended in various situations such as:
- Irregular or Anovulatory cycles
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Follicle development monitoring
- Controlled ovulation timing
How successful is OI?
The chances of success with ovulation induction are very determined by the age of the patient at the time of treatment. Your specific chances of success based on your medical history, age and ovarian reserve will be discussed with you in consultation. It is important to remember that success rates can have their limitations when you compare them with your own experiences or diagnosis.
How much does OI cost? OI treatment at Bridge Clinic London costs £450
This includes
- A consultation with one of our clinicians to plan for the treatment
- A teaching session with the member of the nursing team to teach drug administration if required
- Baseline scan
- Monitoring scans
- Pregnancy scan if applicable
