Some causes of infertility can be effectively treated with superovulation therapy. During superovulation therapy, the woman is treated with medications that increase the number of eggs she ovulates each month. At the appropriate time, intrauterine insemination is performed. Causes of infertility that can be treated with this therapy include ovarian dysfunction, infertility associated with endometriosis, cervical factor infertility, and infertility in which the exact cause cannot be identified. Superovulation therapy is also an effective addition in treating couples with male infertility.

How Superovulation Therapy Works

The first step in superovulation therapy is to administer medications that will increase the number of mature eggs produced by the ovaries. During the normal reproductive cycle, two hormones - follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) - are required to initiate and complete the process of egg maturation. Medications are administered to women either orally or by injection to increase levels of both LH and FSH. Fertility is then further enhanced by performing an appropriately-timed intrauterine insemination with semen from your partner or a donor. The semen sample is prepared in a way that allows us to place an enriched, highly motile concentration of sperm directly into your uterus through the cervix. The result is an increase in the number of mature eggs, as well as motile sperm, within your reproductive tract, which enhances the likelihood that you will become pregnant.

Commonly Used Medications

Clomiphene citrate can be taken orally to promote the process of egg maturation. We monitor the progress with ultrasounds or the use of home ovulation-predictor kits. Once we learn that ovulation is impending, we perform an appropriately-timed intrauterine insemination. A more aggressive approach that uses injectable medications, containing FSH with or without LH, results in a higher likelihood of conception than when clomiphene citrate alone is used. To assess the process of egg maturation while you are being treated with FSH with or without LH, several ultrasounds are performed. We also perform blood sampling of your estrogen levels. Once the eggs have matured adequately, we induce ovulation, and just prior to ovulation, we perform an intrauterine insemination.

Research on Superovulation Therapy

Our reproductive endocrinologists are recognized nationally for the research they have performed in the area of ovulation induction. The information we receive from these ongoing studies enables our physicians to be highly successful in helping infertile couples achieve healthy pregnancies.

To make an appointment or for more information about our Superovulation Therapy Program and our full range of fertility services, please contact us or call The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services at (860) 679-4580.