Ovulation Induction & Cycle Monitoring

Anovulation (absence of ovulation) usually manifests as irregular or absent menses. The commonest cause of ovulatory dysfunction in women is Poly Cystic Ovaries (PCO). Hormone assessment and Ultrasound Scans can be used to confirm this diagnosis.

If ovulation is not occurring, hormonal drugs as used in IVF (see “Drug therapy” under Treatment of female Infertility) can be administered to stimulate egg production (ovulation). With the use of these potent drugs there is a greater risk of multiple pregnancy.

Monitoring with the use of ultrasound scans and hormone assay is therefore a crucial aspect of Ovulation Induction. Due to demonstrated ease of visualizing the ovaries with the vaginal probe, this is the method of ultrasonography used at St. Augustine Medical Centre & Assisted Reproduction Technology Unit, Edo State, to monitor stimulated cycles.