Hormonal stimulation of the ovaries can be used in cases of an unfulfilled desire for children to support the maturation of one or more follicles (oocytes) and to increase the probability of ovulation and pregnancy.
Which form of hormonal treatment is appropriate depends on the individual situation and the cause of the unfulfilled desire for children.
Stimulation can be carried out with tablets or hormone injections. Tablets are usually taken for about five days. With hormone injection treatment, the patient usually administers the medication herself subcutaneously, i.e. into the subcutaneous fatty tissue, over several days.
In certain situations, both forms of treatment are combined.
During stimulation, we monitor the growth and number of follicles using vaginal ultrasound. This allows us to adjust the treatment individually and determine the optimal time for ovulation.
Once a follicle has reached the appropriate maturity, ovulation can be triggered with a hormone injection. This makes it possible to determine the timing of ovulation relatively precisely and coordinate it optimally with intercourse or insemination (IUI).
Hormonal stimulation is generally well tolerated. However, as with all medications, side effects can occur. These include, for example, headaches, breast tenderness, mood swings or a feeling of tension in the lower abdomen.
In the event of a stronger ovarian response, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) can occur in rare cases. However, this usually only happens after IVF stimulation. Depending on the type and intensity of stimulation, the risk of a multiple pregnancy may be increased.
Hormonal fertility treatments can also increase the risk of thrombosis. If there are relevant personal or family risk factors, we therefore check before starting treatment whether additional coagulation screening is advisable.
In order to assess the reaction of the ovaries and to keep risks as low as possible, hormonal stimulation is accompanied by regular ultrasound monitoring.
This allows us to tailor the dosage and the timing of ovulation individually to the patient and, at the same time, ensure that not too many follicles mature.
Our goal is a fertility treatment that is as safe and individually tailored as possible with the best possible chances of pregnancy.
If pregnancy does not occur over a longer period despite regular unprotected sexual intercourse, an assessment may be advisable. As a guideline: For women under 35, an assessment is usually recommended after about one year; from age 35, after about six months. In the case of irregular cycles, known pre-existing conditions, endometriosis, previous surgeries, or an impaired spermiogram, an earlier consultation may be useful.
During the first appointment, we take the time to get to know your personal situation, your history, and your previous examinations and treatments. Together, we discuss which further assessments are useful. These may include, for example, an ultrasound examination, hormone analyses, checking the patency of the fallopian tubes, or a spermiogram. Subsequently, we develop an individual treatment plan with you. You are welcome to send your previous findings in advance or bring them to the appointment.
Depending on the cause and personal situation, different treatments may be considered – from cycle monitoring and hormonal stimulation to insemination, IVF, and ICSI. Social Freezing and pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) are also part of our treatment spectrum. Which method is appropriate is decided together after a careful assessment.
At our location in Zurich, we perform fertility assessments, gynecological examinations, ultrasound monitoring, hormonal stimulations, and inseminations. IVF and ICSI treatments, as well as treatments requiring an IVF laboratory, take place at our location in Pfäffikon SZ.
The chances of success depend on several factors – in particular the age of the woman, the oocyte reserve, the cause of the unfulfilled desire for children, the sperm quality, and the chosen treatment. Therefore, a personal probability of success can only be meaningfully estimated after an individual assessment. We discuss your chances transparently and realistically with you.
In Switzerland, certain assessments, 12 cycles of hormonal stimulation, and three inseminations for an unfulfilled desire for children are covered by mandatory health insurance, provided the relevant requirements are met. IVF and ICSI are generally not covered by basic insurance. Before starting a treatment, we inform you transparently about the expected costs.
No. Women over 40 can also receive advice and treatment from us. However, the number and quality of oocytes decrease with increasing age, which reduces the probability of pregnancy. Therefore, an individual assessment is particularly important. We discuss openly with you which options exist and which treatment may be appropriate in your personal situation.
We are aware that time plays an important role when there is a desire for children. Therefore, you will receive an appointment with us within 2 weeks. You can contact us directly and arrange an appointment for a personal initial consultation.