The IVF Process – Step One: Ovulation Induction

The in vitro fertilization, or IVF, procedure requires highly-skilled medical professionals and sophisticated laboratory equipment. The full IVF process is composed of a number of steps, including egg harvesting, fertilization, and embryo transfer. The steps are completed over a period of about a month.

Ovulation Induction

It has been demonstrated that the IVF procedure is more effective when several embryos are transferred at the same time, which increases the chances of implantation in the uterus. In order to accomplish this, the woman is given fertility medication to stimulate simultaneous development of multiple ovarian follicles, which contain the eggs that are released during ovulation.

Clomid® and Fertility Drugs

Some of the drugs used for this purpose are clomiphene citrate (Clomid®, Serophene®), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) analog. These fertility drugs are typically administered over a period of seven to ten days and may be used alone or in combination with each other. The goal of the fertility drugs is to produce simultaneous maturation of multiple eggs, which must be harvested prior to ovulation.

Is IVF Right for You? 

If you think you and your partner may be good candidates for the IVF process, set up an appointment for an exam with a fertility specialist in your area.