Treatment Cycle Ovarian Stimulation
Several treatment plans require the stimulation of the ovaries to produce more eggs. A follicle is the sac in which the egg develops and matures before ovulation. The ovary has the potential to grow many follicles, but usually only develops one per month, unless stimulated by fertility drugs. To ensure that several follicles (eggs) develop, your treatment regimen may include any number of drugs alone or in combination. These include clomiphene citrate (Clomid, Serophene), human menopausal gonadotropins (Pergonal or Humegon), gonadotropin releasing hormones (Factrel, Lutrepulse), gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (Lupron, Synarel), follicle stimulating hormone (Metrodin) and human chorionic gonadotropin (Profasi, Pregnyl).
We choose your drug regimen based on your medical history and past experience. The dose is adjusted according to the development, number and size of follicles growing, as monitored by ultrasound and blood levels of estradiol (the principal estrogen produced by the ovary). The more eggs, the greater the chance of fertilization and pregnancy. All of the drugs except clomiphene citrate must be given by injection. Injections can be received in our office, or you may designate someone (partner, friend, clinic, etc.) to administer the injections. Our nurses will train your designate to give your injections if necessary. Understanding your treatment plan prior to starting the cycle will help you know what to expect. We must be able to reach you by phone throughout your treatment cycle.
Monitoring Ovarian Stimulation
Estradiol levels of are measured in blood drawn from a vein (usually in the arm) on several treatment days. We will set up an ultrasound schedule to determine the number of developing follicles and the size of each follicle. Ultrasound has no known potential for causing harm to eggs and frequent ultrasound examinations are sometimes necessary. The bladder should be empty for the examination, which usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. When the follicles reach a satisfactory size, based on ultrasound and estrogen levels, you will receive an injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the evening or early morning. This initiates the final phase of egg development in preparation for egg retrieval
Arizona Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
Caring for you, Caring for your heath & Caring for your future
5190 E Farness Drive #114 Tucson, Arizona 85712