What is ovulation induction and why it is required in Intrauterine Insemination ?

The cause of infertility may be difficult to determine in all cases, but certain factors can be ascertained. Infertility may be caused by many factors including problems with egg or sperm production, genetic factors, age, or too much exposure to certain chemicals and toxins. Tubal blockage, hormone imbalances, problems in ovulation, problems in semen are among the leading causes.

When hormone disorders are present, problems with ovulation can occur. Too much thyroid hormone or too little thyroid hormone can interfere with the menstrual cycle and cause infertility.

Fallopian tube damage can occur from prior surgery and/or pelvic infections. Diminished ovarian reserve, premature menopause or primary ovarian insufficiency changes in egg quality or quantity can affect fertility. Low sperm count or abnormal sperm function may be the cause of infertility in men.

Ovulation induction is the process of using medications to stimulate ovulation in women who have irregular or absent ovulation.

It works in a condition where follicles in a woman's ovary do not mature and release eggs. Ovulation induction is typically achieved with a variety of medications that stimulate the ovary to produce and release eggs.

Ovarian follicles are the basic units of female fertility. Each of the follicles contains a single egg. These structures are periodically initiated to grow and develop, culminating in ovulation of usually a single competent oocyte in humans. Apart from nurturing the egg follicles also contain cells which produce hormones in female.

Follicular monitoring tells us about the time of follicular growth and release of egg. This helps in administering medications in time. Follicular monitoring is an important part of Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and In vitro fertilisation (IVF) programme.