Hormonal stimulation of the ovaries

Hormonal stimulation of the ovaries can be used when couples are struggling to conceive, to support the maturation of one or more follicles and increase the likelihood of ovulation and pregnancy.

Which form of hormone treatment is appropriate depends on the individual situation and the cause of the fertility problem.

How does hormonal stimulation work?

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.

Triggering ovulation in a targeted manner

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).

Side effects and risks

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.

Regular ultrasound monitoring for safe treatment

In order to assess the ovarian response and keep risks as low as possible, hormonal stimulation is accompanied by regular ultrasound monitoring.

This allows us to adjust the dosage and timing of ovulation individually for each patient and at the same time ensure that not too many follicles mature.

Our goal is the safest possible, individually tailored fertility treatment with the best possible chances of pregnancy.