Ovulation Induction (OI)

Ovulation Induction (OI) supports your body’s natural cycle and helps improve your chances of pregnancy with clarity, confidence, and personalised guidance. Using carefully selected medications to stimulate and regulate ovulation, OI can help address irregular cycles, hormonal imbalances, or other factors affecting conception. With close monitoring, evidence-based advice, and compassionate care, my aim is to walk alongside you - helping you feel informed, supported, and empowered as you take steps toward growing your family.

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“Helping you through Ovulation Induction means blending expertise, care, and reassurance so you feel supported, confident, and hopeful on your path to conception.”

Helping your body find its rhythm

If you’re struggling with irregular cycles or unsure when (or if) you’re ovulating, ovulation induction may be the first step towards conception.
This fertility treatment helps your body release an egg at the right time - improving your chances of pregnancy naturally or in combination with other treatments such as IUI (intrauterine insemination).

Dr Rebecca Mackenzie-Proctor (Fertility Specialist & Gynaecologist, Melbourne), we use evidence-based hormonal therapy and close ultrasound monitoring to restore predictable ovulation and maximise your natural fertility potential.

What Is Ovulation Induction?

Ovulation induction (OI) uses oral or injectable medications to stimulate the ovaries and encourage the development and release of one (sometimes more) mature egg(s).
It’s commonly used for patients with irregular or absent ovulation due to:

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

  • Hormonal imbalance

  • Unexplained infertility - less evidence to support

This treatment can be used on its own with timed intercourse, or combined with IUI for a higher chance of conception.

Who It’s Suitable For

Ovulation induction may be appropriate if you:

  • Have irregular or infrequent periods

  • Have PCOS or another cause of anovulation

  • Have a partner with normal sperm parameters

  • Have open, healthy fallopian tubes

  • Are seeking a less invasive fertility option before IVF

OI is not recommended if both fallopian tubes are blocked or if severe male factor infertility exists.

How Ovulation Induction Works

  1. Comprehensive Assessment
    We begin with blood tests and a pelvic ultrasound to assess your ovarian reserve and uterine health.

  2. Medication Phase
    Medications are taken for 5 days and are based on  your cycle and hormone profile.

    • Letrozole (Femara) or Clomiphene citrate (Clomid) - oral medications that gently stimulate the ovaries.

    • Injectable FSH hormones for patients needing stronger stimulation.
      Ovulation may be triggered with an hCG injection to precisely time egg release.

  3. Monitoring
    Pelvic ultrasounds are used to track and monitor follicle development. If too many follicles grow, the cycle can be adjusted to prevent multiple pregnancy. Blood tests are sometimes utilised to assess the cycle further. You will have 1-2 scans in the cycle - starting from around day 10.

  4. Timed Intercourse or IUI
     When ovulation is approaching, we guide you on the best timing for conception or proceed with insemination if using IUI.

  5. Luteal Phase Support & Review
     Progesterone support may be prescribed after ovulation, with a pregnancy test 10–14 days later.

Benefits of Ovulation Induction

  • Non-invasive and cost-effective

  • Can regulate irregular cycles and improve egg quality

  • Increases chance of natural conception

  • Often the first-line fertility treatment before IVF

Risks & Precautions

  • Multiple pregnancy if several eggs develop

  • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) - rare with low-dose regimens

  • Cycle cancellation if ovarian response is too high or too low

Your cycle is closely monitored to ensure safety and maximise success.

Why Choose Dr Rebecca Mackenzie-Proctor

  • Personalised, evidence-based protocols tailored to your cycle

  • Continuous ultrasound monitoring for safety and timing accuracy

  • Holistic support - including lifestyle, nutrition, and stress optimisation

Led by Dr Rebecca Mackenzie-Proctor, fertility specialist in Melbourne, offering expert and compassionate care.

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