Ovulation Induction: What Clomid and FSH Labels Mean
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Ovulation induction

Also called inducing ovulation, ovulation stimulation, OI · Reviewed

Definition: Ovulation induction is treatment that aims to make the ovaries release an egg in a woman who does not ovulate normally. Clomid tablets and FSH injections such as Gonal-f and Follistim AQ are approved for it. It differs from stimulation for IVF, which aims to grow several follicles at once.

The Clomid label schedule

  • First course: 50 mg daily for 5 days, starting on or about day 5 of the cycle.
  • If there is no ovulation, the next course is 100 mg daily for 5 days, as early as 30 days later.
  • Ovulation most often happens 5 to 10 days after a course.
  • If ovulation happens on 50 mg, the label says there is no advantage to raising the dose in later cycles.
  • Treatment stops after three courses without ovulation, and the label does not recommend going beyond about six cycles in total.

The label says Clomid is not recommended for IVF or combined ovulation-induction regimens.

Injectable options

Gonal-f and Follistim AQ, both FSH products, are approved to induce ovulation in women whose infertility is functional and not due to primary ovarian failure. Follistim lists one induction cycle in women who had not ovulated or conceived on clomiphene. Novarel (hCG) is approved for induction in women first treated with menotropins. These labels warn about OHSS and multiple pregnancy.

Why it matters for your log

Induction runs on cycle days. Logging day 1 of each cycle, every dose and each test result shows where you are in the plan.

Read more on Dose Track: When do you ovulate on Clomid? · OHSS warning signs · Letrozole vs Clomid · Clomid side effects

General education drawn from labels and published studies, not personal medical advice. Your prescriber, pharmacist and the label that came with your product are the final word.
GonadotropinA gonadotropin is a hormone that acts on the ovaries or testes. The NCI says the pituitary gland makes… SERMA SERM (selective estrogen receptor modulator) is a drug that acts like estrogen in some tissues and… FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone)FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) is a hormone made by the pituitary gland. In men, MedlinePlus says FSH… Ovarian hyperstimulation syndromeOvarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is an overreaction of the ovaries to fertility drugs that… LH (luteinizing hormone)LH (luteinizing hormone) is a hormone made by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. In men,…

Frequently asked questions

When does ovulation happen after Clomid?+
The Clomid label says ovulation most often occurs 5 to 10 days after a course.
How many cycles of Clomid does the label allow?+
The label says further treatment is not recommended after three courses without ovulation, and long-term use beyond about six cycles in total is not recommended.

Sources

  1. Clomid (clomiphene citrate) US prescribing information, DailyMed
  2. Gonal-f RFF Redi-ject (follitropin alfa) US prescribing information, DailyMed
  3. Follistim AQ Cartridge (follitropin beta) US prescribing information, DailyMed
  4. Novarel (chorionic gonadotropin) US prescribing information, DailyMed

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