Women can only conceive naturally at certain times. Although eggs are already present at birth, they only mature once the menstrual cycle begins. Usually one egg matures in each cycle and is released into the fallopian tube in what we call ovulation. Each month your ovaries release one egg, which is available for fertilization for several hours.
Ovulation has to occur in order to conceive. It influences the growth of the uterine lining and its preparation for a fertilized egg to implant. Failed ovulation can be one cause of infertility in women, so if you are having trouble conceiving, one of the things we check is whether ovulation is occurring.
The examination is performed by ultrasound, where the doctor checks the ovaries, the presence and growth of the follicle and egg. We also check hormone levels in the blood, as progesterone levels increase after ovulation occurs and the egg is released.
If ovulation is not occurring naturally, we can induce it artificially using hormones, typically delivered by injection. The doctor sets a specific course of treatment for each woman individually. Hormones not only influence ovulation, they also ensure that the ovaries are working properly and stimulate follicle creation, meaning that this treatment causes more than one egg to mature, thereby increasing the chances of conception.
