What is ovarian stimulation
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What is the procedure for ovarian stimulation?
The therapy methods are constantly tailored to the specific needs of each patient. Age, ovarian morphology, body mass, hormone analytics, and the stimulating response to earlier treatments are just a few examples. Furthermore, we use genetic tests (IBgen FIV for low ovarian reserve cases or IBgen RIF for implantation failure cases). According to the patient’s genes and customised testing results, to build personalised pharmaceutical regimes (gonadotropin type and the most appropriate doses for the genetics profile).
Throughout the process, a gynaecologist will conduct regular ultrasound scans and maybe blood tests to monitor follicle growth and maturity and, if necessary, alter drug doses based on evolution. When the follicles are large enough (greater than 17 mm), the hormone hCG is given to promote the oocytes’ final maturation and ovulation. This is when the eggs will be collected and fertilised in the embryology laboratory.
Length of ovarian stimulation
On typical cycles, it usually begins on the second or third day of menstruation and stops around day 14. During stimulation, the woman is given daily injections of gonadotropins, which are hormones that regulate reproduction (FSH and HMG).
Medication for Ovarian Stimulation
There are numerous different medications and administration methods (stimulation protocols) available; the most common method is the subcutaneous injection. Ovarian stimulation hormones may be produced during the first few days of menstruation. They’re frequently combined with medicine to prevent the follicles from ovulating spontaneously once they’ve reached full maturity and may be caught in the ovarian puncture.
Hormones can be injected either subcutaneously or intramuscularly. Depending on the specialist’s established drug protocol.
Is there any risk involved
Because of the multiple follicles that sprout inside the ovaries during ovarian stimulation, they grow in size. The size of an ovary is similar to that of an almond. It can grow up to the size of an orange after ovarian stimulation in some situations. As a result, many women have abdominal pain, as well as little swelling and discomfort in the lower tummy. Ovarian torsion is caused by the ovary twisting back on itself as a result of this expansion. Because it is a medical emergency, it is best to avoid rapid movements (such as going to the gym, jumping, or sexual intercourse) near the conclusion of the ovarian stimulation phase and immediately afterward.
A strong ovarian reaction to stimulation can result in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, one of the most serious consequences in reproductive medicine. However, thanks to the use of protocols and particular medications, it is now possible to prevent this illness in almost all situations.
Appropriate evaluation of each case, individualised treatment protocols, and meticulous selection of the medicine to be taken are critical in achieving optimal ovarian stimulation results and a final result of sufficient eggs for assisted reproduction techniques while minimising patient hazards.
Why is it done this way?
The purpose of ovarian stimulation is to increase the number of eggs produced during ovulation. This increases the likelihood of inseminated sperm reaching the fallopian tube and fertilising an egg if done before artificial insemination. It’s done before IVF so that during egg retrieval, more than one egg is extracted. In a laboratory setting, this permits more than one egg to be mixed with semen to maximise the odds of a viable embryo forming for transfer.
What does ovarian stimulation consist of?
The treatment consists of injecting follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and/or luteinizing hormone (LH) 8-10 days following the end of the previous period. The goal is to assist the ovaries in releasing one or more eggs. Ovarian stimulation can also be achieved by taking medicine orally. Once ovulation has occurred and one or more eggs have been released, egg retrieval for IVF or artificial insemination can be done.
