Artificial Insemination Using Ovulation Induction
Ovulation induction is one of the most common treatments for many causes of infertility. The first step in ovulation induction therapy is to administer medications that will increase the number of mature eggs produced by the ovaries. During the normal reproductive cycle, two hormones—follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)—are required to initiate and complete the process of egg maturation. Medications are administered to women either orally or by injection to increase levels of both LH and FSH. There are two categories of drugs available for ovulation induction: oral and injectable.
- Oral drugs include: Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid, Serophene), Letrozole, and Metformin
- Injectable drugs include: Gonadotropins (Follistim, Gonal-F, Menopur, Bravelle, and Repronex)
Fertility is then further enhanced by optimally timing intercourse or by performing an appropriately timed intrauterine insemination with semen from your partner or a sperm donor.
Close monitoring while on ovulation induction medications optimizes the effectiveness of the treatment. Monitoring blood hormone levels and measuring ovarian response by ultrasound not only optimizes this cycle, but provides valuable information on whether the therapy is working properly and enhancing your fertility. It also may help detect more subtle underlying fertility issues that may not have been found with routine fertility testing. This information is also helpful to determine if and when to proceed to other therapies.
At FSMG, we average over twice as many Artificial Insemination procedures as we do In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) procedures. With pregnancy rates of roughly 15% to 20% and a case rate cost of 10% to 30% of the IVF case rate, this is often the most appropriate course of treatment for the budget-conscious. At FSMG, we are also sensitive to the emotional and opportunity cost (loss of time that would enhance the possible success of alternate treatments) of multiple insemination cycles. Generally, most pregnancies that occur with ovulation induction and IUI occur within 3–4 ovulatory cycles. The chance of conception decreases significantly when using the same treatment after 3–4 months, at which time it is generally, medically, and financially prudent to move on to other treatment options.
