Ovarian stimulation, or controlled ovarian stimulation COS), is a crucial part of reproductive therapy. It is important to comprehend ovarian stimulation whether you are new to assisted reproductive technology (ART) or just interested in learning more about it. This process is crucial for + the likelihood of obtaining several eggs in a single cycle, which greatly increases the likelihood of successful fertilization and pregnancy.
We will clarify ovarian stimulation’s mechanism of action, justification for its use, and what to anticipate from this stage of your fertility treatment today. Come along as we discuss this essential stage in realising your desire to become a parent.
Understanding how a woman’s reproductive system functions is crucial to understanding this process completely.
How Does the Ovarian System Function?
Hormonal interactions among the brain-based pituitary glands, the ovaries, and the hypothalamus control the ovarian system. During childhood, this hormonal axis is inactive; it becomes active during puberty. Hormones are the language used by it to regulate menstrual cycles as a communication route.
The pituitary gland secretes two hormones, LH and FSH, in response to the hypothalamus’ release of the hormone GnRH. These hormones cause the ovaries to release reproductive hormones like progesterone and oestrogen, as well as to trigger ovulation.
When Does the Ovarian System Activate?
FSH production begins throughout puberty, which stimulates the formation of ovarian follicles that are latent. Every menstrual cycle, several follicles are normally recruited, but only one reaches ovulation. The other follicles deteriorate as a result of this dominating follicle releasing its egg. The human body produces only one egg per cycle, which is an astonishingly effective use of resources.
Twins or multiple births are therefore uncommon. Progesterone and oestrogen are also produced in conjunction with ovulation. Since ovulation has occurred, a rise in oestrogen tells the pituitary gland to stop producing FSH. In anticipation of a possible embryo implantation, oestrogen thickens the endometrium, or inner lining of the uterus, concurrently.
Nonetheless, several problems can impair ovarian function or prevent an egg from encountering a sperm. In such cases, extracting eggs via surgery (egg retrieval) and fertilizing them in a lab is beneficial. This requires prior ovarian stimulation.
What is Ovarian Stimulation?
In essence, ovarian stimulation compresses a year’s worth of egg production into a single cycle by maturing all the follicles recruited in a natural cycle rather than allowing them to decay. Synthetic versions of the same hormones that the body produces are used in this treatment.
Timing of Ovarian Stimulation
During the first three days after menstruation, when follicles that can generate an egg are recruited, ovarian stimulation should begin. If stimulation does not start right away, these follicles can deteriorate and stop working.
FSH naturally falls as oestrogen naturally rises during stimulation. To guarantee that all follicles continue to mature rather than degenerate, the technique entails injecting FSH. As a result, there are more eggs available in a single cycle, improving the likelihood of successful in vitro fertilization and the development of embryos.
When is Ovarian Stimulation Necessary?
Most assisted reproductive techniques, such as artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization, involve hormonal therapy. It is used in the processes of egg donation as well, and fertility preservation treatments require it before egg vitrification.
From Theory to Practice: Ovarian Stimulation
Usually, a doctor will do a vaginal ultrasound to make sure the ovaries are at rest before starting stimulation.
Subcutaneous injections of hormone medicine are used in ovarian stimulation to activate the ovaries. Among the drugs are gonadotropin hormones, which are given by patient-specific guidelines established by the physician and are constantly assessed to modify the course of treatment.
HCG hormone: Given when follicles are prepared for ovulation, this hormone gives oocytes the last push they need to fully mature.
The duration of this procedure is 8 to 13 days, or until the follicles get larger than 18 mm in diameter.
The egg retrieval procedure is planned to gather the mature eggs following HCG Injection.
Symptoms and Risks of Ovarian Stimulation
The hormones that are given are safe since they are identical to those that women normally generate, albeit in larger doses. Many symptoms may arise from this, and while they are usually not harmful, they should be recognised. Bloating, heaviness, dry vagina, upset stomach, dizziness, or nausea are common side effects that are typically brought on by the ovaries’ post-treatment enlargement.
Individual reactions do differ, though, therefore any strong or heightened reactions should be immediately discussed with a physician so that the course of treatment can be modified.
Benefits of Ovarian Stimulation
A crucial component of fertility treatments, ovarian stimulation offers many advantages to people or couples who are pursuing parenthood. Understanding these benefits might empower people to make educated decisions and feel more confident about their reproductive path.
Enhanced Egg Production:
Ovarian stimulation increases the amount of mature eggs produced, which raises the possibility of successful fertilization.
It maximizes the chances of fertility by enabling the retrieval of several eggs in a single cycle.
Recovery from Ovarian Stimulation
A cautious and encouraging approach is necessary for the recovery after ovarian stimulation to guarantee the physical and mental health of the patient.
At Risa IVF, we place a strong emphasis on providing comprehensive care throughout this crucial stage of the process.
A brief time of relaxation after egg retrieval to enable the body to heal after the operation. Steer clear of demanding tasks while you are recovering.
Emotional Assistance:
Throughout the process, counselling services are offered to enhance mental well-being.
Individuals or couples receiving fertility treatments might join support groups.
Conclusion
An essential component of assisted reproduction, ovarian stimulation gives many women who are having trouble conceiving hope. A successful pregnancy and conception journey can be achieved by navigating the process and its repercussions.
