Information Form for Ovulation Induction or Superovulation Therapy
During a natural menstrual cycle, hormones from the pituitary gland (LH and FSH) cause the growth of a fluidfilled cavity, or follicle, within the ovary. Although several follicles start to grow each month, in a natural cycle
only one will become mature enough to ovulate its egg.
Commercially available forms of FSH or FSH and LH combined (Gonal F, Puregon, Repronex) are known as
gonadotropins. Gonadotropins have been used for over 35 years to induce or augment ovulation.
Gonadotropins are given by injection to stimulate the growth of more than one follicle. Close monitoring by
blood tests and ultrasounds is necessary to minimize complications such as overstimulation of the ovaries.
Side effects from this treatment include bloating, breast tenderness, cramping, fatigue and headaches.
In about 0.5 – 1% of cases, overstimulation of the ovaries results in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
(OHSS). OHSS develops when the ovaries become extremely enlarged and extra fluid accumulates within the
abdomen. This complication may require hospitalization for bed rest, intravenous fluids or even drainage of
the abdominal fluid.
Most women will produce 1 to 4 mature follicles during this treatment, although not every follicle contains an
egg. Ovulating more than one egg may increase your chance of conceiving, however it will also increase
your chance of having a multiple pregnancy. Between 15 – 20% of all gonadotropins pregnancies are twins
and 1 – 3% of these pregnancies result in triplets or more. In such cases, a selective reduction procedure
could be considered to reduce a higher multiple pregnancy down to twins.
Frequent monitoring with blood tests, ultrasound and gonadotropin dose adjustments help to minimize the
risks of OHSS and multiple pregnancy.
A second medication (hCG) is given by injection to trigger ovulation when blood tests and ultrasounds
indicate that one to four follicles are mature. Ovulation usually occurs 36 to 48 hours after this injection.
An intrauterine insemination (IUI) is usually done 24 to 36 hours after the hCG injection. The cervix is
visualized with a speculum and a small insemination catheter is used to place the specially prepared sperm
sample into the uterus. There is a small risk (generally < 1%) of introducing or re-activating an infection
during the IUI.
Depending on the woman’s age, diagnosis and duration of infertility, ovulation induction or superovulation
usually results in pregnancy rates of 10 – 20% per cycle. There is no increase in the risk of congenital
abnormalities, ectopic pregnancies or birth defects as compared to other women of your age.
There is a fee for each treatment cycle of ovulation induction or superovulation (not including medications).
I (We) have read and understood this information.
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FEMALE
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PARTNER
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Printed Female Name
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Printed Partner Name
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DATE
Indexed: Z:/Genesis Master Forms/Consents/Info and acknowledge
Date: March 31, 2008
Suite 300 – 1367 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6H 4A7 Tel: 604-879-3032 Fax: 604-875-1432
www.genesis-fertility.com