This article was consulted by Master of Medicine, Doctor Nguyen Thi Tam Ly, Assisted reproductive technology Center, Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.
Ovulation induction medication is commonly used to stimulate the ovaries. The medication's main effect is to stimulate the development of ovarian follicles as well as promote the maturation, ripening, and release of eggs.
1. Effects of ovulation induction medication
Ovulation induction is often indicated in assisted reproductive techniques such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI). Ovulation induction is considered an essential preparatory step for infertility and subfertility treatment in couples.
Ovulation induction medication is a commonly used form to stimulate the ovaries. Ovulation induction medication comes in two forms: oral medication or injection, the effect of ovulation induction medication is to help stimulate the development of ovarian follicles as well as promote the maturation, ripening, and release of eggs. Especially for women undergoing in-vitro fertilization, ovulation induction is one of the main factors determining the number of eggs, the number of embryos obtained, and the success rate.
2. Does taking ovulation induction medication causes missed periods?
Usually, ovulation induction medication will be used starting from the 2nd or 3rd day of the menstrual cycle, lasting about 10-12 days. When the ovarian follicles develop to a suitable level and the uterine lining also thickens to a suitable level, the doctor will guide the time for natural intercourse or perform artificial insemination or egg retrieval for IVF depending on the protocol.
So, does taking ovulation induction medication causes missed periods? If you are successful and become pregnant after using ovulation induction medication, your period will be delayed. If not, your menstruation will occur normally.
After taking ovulation induction medication, women can still carry out normal activities and work; however, they should avoid physical exertion, avoid stress, and limit intercourse with overly vigorous movements to avoid the risk of ovarian torsion and ovarian rupture.
3. Is using ovulation induction medication harmful?
In addition to promoting egg development and helping eggs ovulate following a regular cycle, some cases may experience complications when using ovulation induction medication (mainly encountered in IVF treatment in some high-risk patients):
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): This is one of the complications of ovarian stimulation. The signs and symptoms: of this complication are enlarged ovaries, abdominal pain, fluid in the abdomen, and abdominal distension causing discomfort. It can lead to other dangerous complications such as ovarian torsion, ovarian rupture, electrolyte imbalance, blood clotting disorders, etc. It is common in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Risk of multiple pregnancy: The most common complication of using ovulation induction medication is the risk of multiple pregnancies. The reason is that if the number of eggs ovulated is higher, the chance of multiple pregnancies will be higher. Multiple pregnancies also carry many pregnancy complications, of which the risk of premature birth is the most common.
4. Things to keep in mind when taking ovulation induction medication
In each menstrual cycle, usually, only one follicle in the ovary develops and releases an egg. If it meets sperm, it will fertilize and form an embryo. However, when using ovulation induction medication, not just one, but possibly two, three, or even more follicles can develop. When taking ovulation induction medication, women should keep the following in mind:
The two ovaries will become larger when stimulated, which can easily cause a feeling of abdominal bloating and breast pain. However, these feelings only occur in the last 2-3 days of the ovulation induction process. When these symptoms occur, women should not worry; just follow the doctor's instructions.
For each individual case, the doctor will carefully consider the appropriate medication and dosage. If, when taking ovulation induction medication, you experience symptoms such as dull or sharp pain in the lower abdomen; excessive abdominal distension, severe pain, diarrhea, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, you should see a doctor for advice.
In summary, ovulation induction is considered a very important stage in the treatment of infertility and sterility. Therefore, it is necessary to choose a reputable facility with a team of experienced doctors with high professional competence to ensure a success rate and minimize the risk of adverse effects on one's health. Currently, customers can come to the Assisted Reproductive Technology Center - Vinmec International General Hospital. This is a leading center in Vietnam built and applying a comprehensive examination and treatment process, combining andrology, obstetrics, and gynecology to provide the optimal method for each patient's case.
Advantages when customers choose Vinmec Reproductive Support Center:
Equipped with modern equipment, an international standard clean air system to ensure lab quality and a single embryo transfer system to optimize embryo quality and improve the success rate for each artificial insemination cycle.
Performs most of the world's advanced assisted reproductive techniques: ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection); assisted hatching; reproductive preservation: embryo freezing, sperm freezing, and oocyte freezing to allow patients to plan childbirth according to their preferences; day 5 embryo transfer to minimize multiple pregnancies; and male infertility techniques (PESA, MESA, TEFNA, TESE).
In addition to advanced assisted reproductive methods, there is a team of excellent doctors in Vietnam and worldwide, with prestige and many years of experience in the field of infertility.
Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.
