Ovulation is when the egg is released from the ovary. With each menstrual cycle, you release an egg. This most commonly occurs 14 days prior to the start of your period.
To tell when you are due to ovulate you need to work out the length of your cycle. To calculate the length of the cycle, you count from the first day of your period up to but not including the first day of your next period. Most cycles are 28 days in length but this can fluctuate and can be anywhere from 24- 34 days. There are other ways to check for ovulation. There are ovulation kits you can purchase over the counter from the chemist and these most commonly test your urine. You can check you basal temperature during the cycle. It is usually starts increasing as you are ovulating and remains elevated until you menstruate. You can also check your cervical mucous which is more useful in timing intercourse. Just before ovulation, the mucous becomes clear and slippery, similar to egg white. This is to enable sperm to travel through the cervix. Your body is naturally telling you it is the best time to fall pregnant. After ovulation the mucous becomes thick again making hard for the sperm to get through the cervix.
Ovulation Induction with medications allows an egg to mature and be released by the ovary. The cycle is tracked with Ultrasound scans and a blood test. Ovulation induction can be achieved either by oral medications such as Clomiphene or Letrozole, or with daily injections of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH). Ovulation induction may be a good option for you if you are not ovulating, are having an irregular cycle, or have unexplained infertility; as long as your fallopian tubes are not blocked. This will be checked by the doctor prior to commencing the medications. Ovulation induction can also be combined with Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) to further increase the chances of achieving a pregnancy.
Ovulation induction can lead to multiple pregnancies, Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (Ovaries are overly stimualted), and there are side effects with the medications such as hot flushes, mood changes and irritability. You will be monitored closely during the cycle.
At Sunnybank Centre for Women, the doctors can check whether you are ovulating and commence ovulation induction if suitable.
