WHAT IS OVARIAN STIMULATION?

31 January 20232′ read

If you are considering IVF treatment, or a fertility specialist has recommended it, you may have come across some complex medical terms that you do not fully understand. Although the terms may sound rather daunting, it is important to understand what happens at each stage of treatment. Here we look at the first stage, ovarian stimulation.

When is ovarian stimulation used?

Ovarian stimulation is generally used: → To induce ovulation in women with ovulatory dysfunction, to help them conceive. → To retrieve eggs in IVF treatment. → To store eggs for future use.

How does ovarian stimulation work?

In a natural ovulation cycle, natural hormonal changes drive the maturation and release of the egg. In some women, however, this does not happen naturally, so medication is given to stimulate ovarian function. This makes it possible to plan every hormonal change, thereby optimising the quality of the eggs released.

Stages of IVF Treatment

Ovarian stimulation
Egg retrieval
Fertilisation by ICSI/insemination/
Embryo transfer

In the long protocol, ovarian stimulation generally begins one week before the expected date of the next period. In the antagonist protocol, stimulation begins on day two of the menstrual cycle. Hormones are given so that multiple mature eggs can be retrieved in a single egg retrieval procedure. Ovarian stimulation is achieved with injections of gonadotropins containing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH). These stimulate the growth of multiple follicles in the ovaries. FSH injections are given for about 10 days before the patient is ready for egg retrieval. The patient is closely monitored by ultrasound during the ovarian stimulation phase. The number of follicles present is checked and their size is measured. If enough follicles larger than 17-18 mm in diameter are found, the egg retrieval procedure is scheduled. A final hCG injection is given to trigger the final maturation of the eggs. To find out more about ovarian stimulation, contact the Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Fetal Medicine – Dr. Alexandros Traianos for a consultation.

TAGSgynaecologist Thessalonikiin vitro fertilizationfertilityfemale infertilityReproductive Medicine Specialistfertility testingHormone testingIn vitro fertilization ThessalonikiCenter for Reproductive Medicine & Fetal Medicineovulation problemsassisted reproductioninfertility

ABOUT THE DOCTOR

Dr. Alexandros Traianos

Gynecologist · Specialist in Reproductive Medicine and Fetal Medicine

He supports scientific excellence in clinical practice and recognizes the possibilities offered by modern reproductive methods to couples who wish to have a child of their own.

His profile

The content of this article is for information only and does not replace a medical examination and advice.

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Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve conception after one year (or 6 months in the case of a woman over the age of 35) of normal, regular sexual intercourse. In other words, when a year has passed without the woman becoming pregnant, the couple should consult their treating physician, so that the cause preventing pregnancy can be identified and subsequently addressed. However, we should all be aware and not forget that age is the most critical factor for female fertility, and that an individualized approach to each couple is the "golden key" that solves the problem.

Of course not. In approximately one third of cases, infertility is due to the woman (female factor), while in another third of cases it is due to the man (male factor). In the remaining third, it is due to both partners (both the man and the woman) or even to unknown factors.

• alcohol • narcotic substances • environmental toxins, including pesticides and lead • smoking • health problems • medications • radiotherapy and chemotherapy • age

In general, specialists agree that the fact that a couple has already had a child may be considered evidence that, at least initially, there is no infertility problem. It is like a small test that has been carried out and shows that they “succeeded” at least once. On the other hand, however, we should be aware that circumstances may have changed in the meantime and that a problem may have developed (e.g., the man may have had an inflammation affecting the quality of his sperm, or something may have occurred that affects female fertility: an inflammation, gynecological surgery, an abortion, etc.). In any case, therefore, if a reasonable period of time (one year) passes and a couple is unable to achieve a pregnancy, then, with the help of their doctor, they should investigate whether a problem causing infertility has arisen.

Success rates vary at each IVF center. Very important factors also include the woman’s age, her hormone levels, and, of course, her husband’s sperm. In general, rates are around 45% or slightly higher for women up to 35 years of age.

The number of treatment cycles a woman may undergo is not fixed. It is certain that in our country there are highly qualified obstetrician-gynecologists and well-organized infertility treatment centers that provide excellent medical services in this field. Provided that the appropriate indications are present (e.g., ovaries that respond to stimulation treatment, a good-quality endometrium, etc.), the success rate—particularly with the use of newer techniques and biotechnological medicines, which demonstrate increased bioactivity compared with conventional urine-derived medicines—reaches a cumulative rate of approximately 65%–70% after 4 treatment cycles.

Egg retrieval takes 10–15 minutes, is not painful, is performed under sedation, and after the procedure is completed you can return to your activities.

The association between IVF medications and the risk of developing cancer is the greatest concern for women participating in these programs. However, numerous literature references gathered from reliable scientific studies and published in reputable medical journals worldwide are reassuring and do not confirm this concern.

At Dr. Traianos' Reproductive Medicine Center, we offer egg and sperm cryopreservation services for individuals who have a personal or medical reason and require this service. We use the most advanced vitrification technique for the freezing of sperm and eggs.

When is ovarian stimulation used?

How does ovarian stimulation work?

Stages of IVF Treatment

The first step is a discussion.

Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

When is a couple considered infertile?

Is infertility only a female problem?

What increases the risk of male infertility?

I already have one child, but I am now having difficulty becoming pregnant again. Could a problem have arisen with me or with my partner?

What is the success rate of in vitro fertilization?

How many times can a woman undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF)?

Is egg retrieval painful?

Can IVF medications cause cancer?

Can I freeze my eggs or my sperm?