Femara for Ovarian Stimulation
Ovation partner physicians know that ovulation problems are common and can often be treated with medications to stimulate the ovaries. Even women with regular ovulation can benefit from these fertility medications when they undergo procedures such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF).
One common medication to stimulate the ovaries is Femara (letrozole). Femara temporarily interrupts the production of a certain hormone and indirectly causes a release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the brain. This hormone acts on the ovaries, allowing them to mature one or more eggs.
Ovarian Stimulation Using Femara Involves Oral Medications and Ultrasounds
Before starting Femara for ovarian stimulation, a baseline ultrasound will be done to rule out the presence of ovarian cysts. The ultrasound will take place at the beginning of the woman’s cycle, usually about one to five days into the cycle. If there are no cysts, then she can start taking Femara, typically for five days.
About five to seven days after she has finished her last pill, her physician will recommend another ultrasound to evaluate her response to Femara.
- During the second ultrasound, the size/number of her follicles and the thickness of her uterine lining will be measured.
- If a large follicle is found during the ultrasound, the physician will recommend that she start using an ovulation predictor kit or tell her to take a trigger shot to cause ovulation.
- If no large follicle is found, her fertility doctor will talk with her about increasing the dose of Femara.
Femara Is Highly Successful for Ovarian Stimulation
The majority of women with ovulation problems will be able to ovulate after taking Femara. In fact, Femara can even be tried if treatment with Clomid (another ovulation medication) does not cause ovulation or causes significant side effects.
Ovation partner physicians believe that it is important for patients to understand the side effects of any medication. With Femara, the side effects can include hot flashes and headaches. Also, though a small chance of twins exists with Femara, most pregnancies that occur are single.
Femara can cause ovulation in patients who suffer from ovulatory dysfunction. If you have any questions about Femara, please contact an Ovation partner physician.