Gonadotrophin ovulation induction
Gonadotrophin Ovulation Induction
Patient Information
Fertility Fusion
The Patient Information Leaflets page on the Trust website is available on the link:
- Author ID: CPH/EB
- Leaflet ref: FF 006
- Version: 7
- Leaflet title: Gonadotrophin Ovulation Induction
- Last review: July 2025
- Expiry Date: July 2027
What is Gonadotrophin Ovulation Induction?
Gonadotrophin ovulation induction is treatment with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) injections to stimulate ovulation (egg production). It can be used for patients with ovulatory disorders when Clomiphene or Letrozole tablets have not induced ovulation.
Benefits
Ovulation induction allows women who do not ovulate normally an opportunity to ovulate and have a chance of conceiving naturally. Its success depends on timing intercourse to take place when ovulation occurs.
Monitoring the response to treatment is therefore a vital part of the programme, to maximise the chance of a successful pregnancy and to minimise the risks of treatment.
Alternatives
The alternatives to gonadotrophin ovulation induction are:
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), or
- IVF
What happens during a cycle of gonadotrophin ovulation induction?
- Drug treatment begins at the start of the menstrual cycle to encourage eggs to mature. The gonadotrophin injections stimulate the ovaries to produce the follicles which contain the developing eggs. You will be taught how to administer the injections at the start of the treatment.
- A week after drug treatment has commenced, you will have regular ultrasound scans to check the development and growth of any follicles. When your ultrasound scan shows one to three follicles that have reached their target size, you will be asked to give yourself a final injection of HCG (trigger injection) to induce ovulation.
- You will be advised by the unit staff of likely timing of ovulation and advised to have regular intercourse over the next couple of days.
- You will be asked to carry out a pregnancy test two weeks following the HCG injection unless your period has already started.
- If the test is positive, we will arrange a scan for you in a couple of weeks to ensure all is well.
- If the test is negative, then you may contact the ward on the first day of your period if you wish to proceed with another cycle of treatment.
You may make an appointment following any cycle if you wish but after three cycles, we will ask you to make an appointment to discuss further options.
Risks
The risks involved in having Gonadotrophin Ovulation Induction are:
- Ovarian hyperstimulation
- Multiple pregnancy
- Failure to conceive.
The Unit Counsellor can be contacted for support at any time, throughout your treatment and afterwards. The telephone number is 01257 256251.
Contact information
If you have any worries or concerns or need some advice, please do not hesitate to contact the nursing staff at:
Fertility Fusion, Wrightington Hospital
Telephone: 01257 256251 Monday to Friday 8am to 4:30pm
Swinley Ward, Royal Albert Edward Infirmary
Out of hours: Telephone: 01942 822568
See also patient information leaflet REF: FF 010 Counselling Services - Fertility Fusion
https://www.wwl.nhs.uk/leaflets/download/wwl-5feb49826d8015.89152671