There are cases when such a desired pregnancy does not occur because the woman simply does not ovulate. It is then that ovulation stimulation is prescribed. However, this method of reproductive medicine is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, today we decided to tell readers about existing methods and medications to stimulate ovulation. Also, read about folk remedies to stimulate ovulation.
When is ovulation stimulation required?
First of all, the woman and her partner undergo a full course of examination. The doctor finds the cause of the failure and, if necessary, prescribes ovulation stimulation according to a strictly individual program, calculating the dose of the missing hormone, replacing it with synthetic drugs.
In the first phase of the cycle, under the influence of estrogen, the follicle grows and develops to a size of 20-25 mm in diameter. If its level in the body decreases, the formation of an egg does not occur.
In the first phase of the cycle, the follicle grows; if this does not happen, stimulation of ovulation is required
Contraindications
Ovarian stimulation for pregnancy planning is not performed in polycystic patients. In other words, if your reproductive organs are producing a few dominant follicles each month that are not rupturing, then the procedure may only make the situation worse. In this case, an individual approach is selected for each patient. Sometimes surgery is also required.
Ovarian stimulation is not performed to plan pregnancy during menopause. Theoretically, while in menopause, a woman can conceive a child with the help of certain hormonal drugs. However, most experts consider such an act frivolous. Indeed, as a woman ages, the risk of having a child with disabilities increases. Also, in approximately half of all cases of stimulation before menopause, the doctor and the patient suffer defeat, since the pituitary gland and ovaries no longer respond properly to the drugs used.
The procedures are contraindicated if the fairer sex has increased sensitivity to the selected medications. Also, a woman's ovaries are not stimulated if her partner has fertility problems. In such a situation, it is necessary to find a good specialist and first restore the man’s fertility.
Stimulation is not performed if there are problems with the endometrium. After all, even if fertilization occurs, the embryo simply may not attach to the wall of the reproductive organ.
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Clostilbegit - features, diagrams
To establish the process, clostilbegit is very often used at this time. According to the instructions, treatment lasts from 5 to 9 days from the first day of bleeding. An ultrasound scan must be carried out systematically: the first one 1-2 days after the start of treatment and continued with the same frequency until the germ cell matures. If conception does not occur, the course is repeated.
Stimulation of ovulation with clostilbegit, reviews from those who became pregnant
Clomiphene, which is part of clostilbegit, has an anti-estrogenic effect and in some cases can cause thickening of cervical mucus. This interferes with the movement of sperm through the woman's genital tract. It is possible to slow down the process of preparing the endometrium to secure the fertilized egg.
To prevent this from happening, the doctor may prescribe proginova, which replenishes the lack of estrogen in the blood, strengthens the uterus and tubes, and promotes normal and stable periods.
In addition to clostilbegit, proginova is prescribed to stimulate ovulation.
The dosage regimen is developed by the doctor strictly taking into account the data of a particular organism. They start taking Proginova from days 5 to 21 of the cycle. It normalizes hormonal levels and prevents early ovarian depletion, for which it is prescribed together with clostilbegit.
Side effects
It is not surprising that such a procedure has certain side reactions that can develop in every woman, depending on the individual characteristics of the body, among them are the following:
- Low level of ovarian response to administered drugs, which requires an increase in the previously determined dose;
- The likelihood of developing OHSS;
- Allergic reactions.
Doctors also note that the possibility of a multiple pregnancy cannot be ruled out; for some this is not considered a side effect, but experts classify it as such.
Stimulation of ovulation with the drug Gonal, reviews
In the first phase of the cycle, gonal is often prescribed. This medicine is similar in action to natural follicle-stimulating hormone and has the following effect:
- promotes the growth of bubbles at any level;
- regulates the ovulatory process;
- stimulates endometrial growth;
- normalizes the menstrual cycle.
It is used from the first day of bleeding - 7 days.
But the timing of treatment depends on the size and growth of the cell, which is detected by ultrasound. On average, the course lasts up to 1-2 weeks, during which the dosage can be increased according to the doctor’s decision, but is stopped a couple of days before the expected rupture of the vesicle. Unlike clostilbegit, gonal is safer and more effective. If the problem is correctly diagnosed and used in the right doses, pregnancy is likely after the first course of treatment. Having studied the reviews left by women who were prescribed ovulation stimulation, which of them became pregnant confirms this fact.
How is the preparation carried out?
The very first thing the doctor does is examine the patient. The outcome of the entire procedure and the further condition of the patient depend on how well the examination is performed. In principle, these are all tests and studies that are traditionally prescribed if you want to conceive a child.
If all the results are within normal limits, the doctor will prescribe other tests:
- vaginal examination;
- Ultrasound of the pelvis and mammary glands;
- Cardiogram.
Here I would like to draw special attention to one point. Often a woman blames herself for her inability to conceive a child. But often the reason is the man’s infertility; some of them categorically refuse to be examined. So, if this is your case, then you should not stimulate the ovaries for conception without being sure that this is the problem.
Stimulation of cell exit
After successfully influencing the formation of the follicle and achieving the desired size, the doctor prescribes an injection of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). This is necessary for the egg to be released successfully. The medicine starts the ovulation process, thereby preventing the formation of cysts, and supports the functioning and growth of the corpus luteum.
HCG injection helps in stimulating ovulation for those who want to get pregnant
After the injection, the vesicle ruptures (after 24 hours) and the cell is released. At this point, you need to do an ultrasound to ensure a favorable outcome and determine the frequency and timing of sexual intercourse. You need to know that this hormone is administered after stopping the stimulant that works at the beginning of the menstrual cycle, after a day or two. To confirm conception, the presence of hCG in the blood is monitored by tests every 2-3 days. If the indicators double with each new examination, then the goal has been achieved.
Ovitrel has a similar effect - this medicine contains choriogonadotropin alpha. It stimulates follicle maturation, ovulation and growth of the corpus luteum. Ovitrel is also used after a course of a stimulant and is administered 24-48 hours after discontinuation. In this case, sexual contact is needed on the day of the injection or the next day.
Ovitrel helps in stimulating ovulation and when trying to get pregnant
What is this procedure?
Many women who are faced with the problem of conception know what ovarian stimulation is to plan pregnancy. However, there are also representatives of the fairer sex who are hearing about this manipulation for the first time. What is it?
Stimulation is the effect on the female genital organs, in particular the ovaries, with medications. During the procedure, the secretion of certain hormones by the pituitary gland increases. Thus, the doctor can correct the woman’s condition in the direction he needs. There are a great variety of drugs for stimulation. Not all of them are used for every woman. Choosing a list of medications is the prerogative of the doctor. However, this should be done only after diagnosis.
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Vitamins and folk remedies for ovulation
Experts believe that taking certain vitamins also affects ovulation. Let's analyze their action in more detail.
- Vitamin B9 (folic acid): stimulates follicle growth.
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): improves blood circulation and improves immunity, which will also be needed during this period.
- Vitamin E: needed for normal follicle development.
- Potassium iodide. It is easy to obtain by using iodized salt for cooking.
This entire vitamin complex is important for the first phase of the cycle. Other B vitamins are more effective in the latter. It is better to take all this in the form of a vitamin complex, for example, Vitrum or any other recommended by a doctor.
Vitamins are also used to stimulate ovulation to get pregnant
Stimulating ovulation with sage
Along with synthetic stimulants, folk remedies are also trusted; one of the most famous is sage. The herb has the following actions:
- stimulates the production of estrogen and progesterone;
- increases the duration of ovulation;
- helps in pregnancy.
Sage helps in stimulating ovulation and planning pregnancy.
This herb is used only in cases of estrogen deficiency. The leaves are used for medicinal purposes, and it is better to purchase them at the pharmacy. An infusion is prepared from this collection: 1 tablespoon is poured with boiling water, infused and drunk a spoonful several times a day. You can add a spoonful of dried linden flowers to the decoction to enhance the effect. Start using on day 5 of a 10-day cycle. The general course is up to 3 months.
The use of sage essential oil is also known. It is rubbed into the lower abdomen as a light massage from days 4 to 14 of the cycle.
Sage essential oil is also used to stimulate ovulation
Second phase: what drugs are prescribed
We reviewed the list of medications used in the first period to stimulate the formation of the follicle and its rupture to release the cell. But in the second period, drugs are also used that help fertilization, the growth of the corpus luteum and the course of pregnancy.
Most often, doctors use duphaston and utrozhestan. Now let's get to know them better.
Duphaston
Duphaston is a synthetic drug containing progesterone. They begin to take it after the fact of the release of the egg to maintain the corpus luteum phase, until pregnancy or menstruation occurs. This medicine strengthens the uterus. The treatment regimen and dosage, taking into account the characteristics of the body and the results of the examination, is prepared by the doctor.
Stimulation with duphaston is carried out in the second half of the cycle
Utrozhestan
Utrozhestan is a hormonal drug that helps normalize progesterone levels in the blood. Capsules are taken orally or vaginally. At the same time, women claim that the vaginal effect on the body is much softer.
Taking utrozhestan after ovulation
It is also prescribed in the second phase, 2 days after the confirmed fact of follicle rupture. The duration of the course is 10 days. If this moment has not been tracked, treatment will begin on the 16th day of the cycle. During fertilization, treatment continues in some cases up to 16 weeks of pregnancy and withdrawal is carried out by gradually reducing the dose. All this happens under the supervision of a doctor.
From our article it is clear that to regulate reproductive processes in the body of any woman, modern medicine has a fairly extensive list of medications that will help, if not everyone, but very many, to experience the joy of motherhood. We have come across quite conflicting opinions about stimulating ovulation; reviews from those who became pregnant are not always positive. The main thing in this matter is not to self-medicate and trust an experienced specialist.
Indications
If, during the determination of ovulation, it was determined that it is absent, then the gynecologist prescribes an additional ultrasound examination for the woman to confirm or refute one of the following diagnoses:
- Anovulation with non-development of a dominant follicle;
- The dominant follicle develops at an insufficient level and does not reach the required size;
- The dominant follicle develops, but due to insufficient volume it transforms into the corpus luteum;
- With the development of a dominant follicle, there is no ovulation;
- With the full development of the dominant follicle and the presence of ovulation, it transforms into the corpus luteum.
Ovarian stimulation is necessary only in the first three cases. Otherwise, it will only be enough to carry out hormonal therapy to rupture the follicle, and the last point does not require treatment at all. Many women are interested in how often ovarian stimulation can be done during IVF. According to the recommendations of the World Health Organization, it is not recommended to carry out the procedure for more than six cycles in a row.
