Hormonal Stimulation

If it has been established during the cycle monitoring that no or only incomplete follicular maturation occurs, hormone stimulation is performed. Through the administration of medication (hormones), this disorder can be ruled out. An irregular cycle also indicates a problem with follicle maturation. The simplest method of hormone stimulation is the administration of Clomifen. The follicle maturation is supported by taking 1-2 Clomifen tablets from the 3rd to the 7th day of cycle. Often this therapy is already sufficient. It is used in rotated sexual intercourse and insemination. Clomifen can also be used to improve chances of pregnancy with a regular cycle and unobtrusive cycle monitoring.
The second option for hormone stimulation is injection therapy with the gonadotropins FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) or HMG (Human Menopausal Gonadotropin, which also contains FSH). FSH is a hormone of the pituitary gland that causes follicle growth in the natural menstrual cycle. This FSH is contained in

the various meidcations available, and is injected under the skin in small doses once a day, starting on the 2nd day oft he cycle. Most women self-administer these injections after demonstration and some „practice“. Some couples prefer to have the partner do the injecting. Follicular growth is again monitored with ultrasound from the 10th day of the cycle, in order to determine the most favourable date for targeted intercourse or insemination. In the case of stimulation for IVF or ICSI treatments, FSH or HMG is also used – but in higher doses. This is because for artificial insemination, multiple mature follicles are required (i.e. 6 to 10 instead of one or two). In addition to the FSH/HMG preparation, a second drug must always be injected during IVF or ICSI, which prevents premature ovulation.