Ovarian stimulation may improve the odds of pregnancy

When facing the challenge of female infertility, our Park Avenue Fertility and Reproductive Medicine team wants to increase the likelihood of welcoming a baby. Ovarian stimulation is a common step for women undergoing fertility treatment in Connecticut to boost the chances of pregnancy.

Customized medication can be an important step in fertility treatment

In a routine monthly menstrual cycle, one of the ovaries releases a single egg, with the potential for fertilization. But in cases of infertility, often little is routine.

Ovulatory issues can lead to irregular or nonexistent periods – and frustration. To counter this, our fertility expert, Dr. Andrew Levi, can customize an ovarian stimulation protocol. Hormonal medication can prompt ovulation and optimize the chances of success for women undergoing fertility treatment in Connecticut. This initial step is common with IVF, intrauterine insemination (IUI) or egg freezing treatment.

The goal of ovarian stimulation is to enable the development of several mature follicles, which are small fluid-filled sacs inside the ovary that contain developing eggs. Dr. Levi works to produce additional healthy, mature eggs safely. His carefully considered, customized protocols include multiple steps, not a “one-size-fits-all” approach.

• Many patients begin by taking three or four weeks of birth control pills. It may seem counterintuitive, but birth control pills can briefly “pause” a woman’s cycle to synchronize egg development.
• Some women with female infertility take oral medications, such as letrozole or Clomid (clomiphene), as a first-line treatment to induce ovulation. These medications work by “tricking” the brain to think there is a lack of estrogen. As a result, the pituitary gland produces more follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
• Women opting for IVF are prescribed injectable fertility medications, which are stronger than their oral counterparts. These mimic natural reproductive hormones, but in larger doses. Daily shots containing FSH are usually taken for eight to 13 days, with 10 days being average. Additionally, we often use medication containing both FSH and luteinizing hormone (LH). The LH helps further support egg maturation.
• With multiple follicles developing simultaneously, we often take steps to prevent eggs from being prematurely released. Dr. Levi may instruct patients to take GnRH-antagonist medication to control egg development.
• Finally, a “trigger shot” containing hCG, the “pregnancy hormone,” is timed 36 hours before a scheduled egg retrieval.

Mitigating risks with ovarian stimulation

We want women facing female infertility to be assured that Park Avenue Fertility actively minimizes risk in stimulating the ovaries, including preventing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This condition causes the ovaries to swell and become painful as a heightened response to medications. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, bloating and nausea.

Our medical team relies on regular bloodwork and ultrasounds to thoroughly monitor patients. Dr. Levi further manages the risk for women seeking fertility treatment in Connecticut by carefully considering individual differences when customizing medication. Additionally, he relies on close communication for time-sensitive adjustments.

Ovarian stimulation can help women with female infertility, and we welcome your questions. Contact us and learn how we customize care and realize family-building dreams.