Ovulation Induction

If fertility testing shows that a woman has an ovulatory problem, and a medication such as clomiphene citrate does not result in conception, other fertility medications may be then used to induce follicle development and ovulation.

These medications are usually prescribed by a Fertility Specialist, also known as a Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE). They are usually given by self-injection.

Ovulation induction and the reproductive cycle

During the follicular phase of a woman's reproductive cycle, a medication such as Gonal-f® (follitropin alfa for injection), a follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) may be prescribed. FSH stimulates the development of follicles in the ovary and helps produce eggs.

Around the 11th day of the cycle, a single injection of a medication such as Ovidrel® PreFilled Syringe (choriogonadotropin alfa injection), a human choriogonadotropin (hCG), may be given to facilitate the last step in the maturation of the developing eggs and trigger ovulation. The eggs are released, ready to be fertilized.

At this point, fertilization is attempted either through sexual intercourse or artificial insemination (AI). AI is a procedure in which the healthcare provider inserts sperm directly into a woman's reproductive tract. AI is usually performed in cases where a woman has poor or absent cervical mucus or a man has a low sperm count or sperm motility. A common AI procedure is intrauterine insemination, a procedure in which the healthcare provider inserts sperm directly into the uterus near the time of ovulation.

Ovulation induction treatment

See how a woman's cycle progresses day by day while she's undergoing ovulation induction.

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Important Safety Information
As with all prescription medications, side effects may occasionally occur with use of fertility drugs. Doctors specializing in fertility or reproductive health should only prescribe these products. Patients prescribed gonadotropins and GnRH analogs should be monitored carefully by a trained fertility specialist. Risks include the following events which can be serious: hypersensitivity reactions; ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS); pulmonary and vascular complications, and multiple births. For complete product details about a specific fertility drug, please refer to the Full Prescribing Information offered below.

RFF: Revised Formulation Female

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Indication:
For women, Gonal-f® (follitropin alfa for injection), Gonal-f® RFF (follitropin alfa injection) and Gonal-f® RFF Pen (follitropin alfa injection) are indicated for 1) the induction of ovulation and pregnancy in the anovulatory infertile patient in whom the cause of infertility is functional and not due to primary ovarian failure and 2) for the development of multiple follicles in the ovulatory patient participating in an ART program.

Gonal-f® is also indicated to increase sperm production in men with a rare condition called hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

Important Safety Information:
These products should only be prescribed by physicians specializing in fertility or reproductive health. Use of Gonal-f® or Gonal-f® RFF by women can result in multiple births. Patients should let their doctor know of any allergic reactions to recombinant FSH preparations or other product ingredients. Patients should also inform their doctor of a history of cancer of the sex organs or brain and uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal disease before starting or continuing treatment. Women with a history of abnormal bleeding from the uterus or vagina, swollen, enlarged, or painful ovaries should speak to their doctor before starting treatment. Gonal-f® and Gonal-f® RFF are potent gonadotropic substances capable of severe adverse reactions, including Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) in women, which can result in hospitalization. Women should inform their doctor if they experience severe stomach pain, vomiting, bloating, or weight gain while taking Gonal-f® or Gonal-f RFF®. The most common side effects are headache, ovarian cysts, upset stomach, and sinus infections in women taking Gonal-f® or Gonal-f® RFF. The most common side effects in men taking Gonal-f® are skin acne, breast pain and growth, and tiredness. Needle injections may cause some discomfort.

For more information, refer to the prescribing and patient information offered below and talk to your doctor.

*RFF Revised Formulation Female


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