In normal reproduction, the ovary usually releases one egg each cycle. Eggs develop in small fluid spaces (follicles) in the ovary. As follicles grow, the hormone estradiol is produced. When estradiol reaches a certain level, another hormone, LH (luteinizing hormone) is released. The LH release is the driving force necessary for final maturation and release of the egg, or ovulation.

When a patient chooses Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COH), the AART team helps them proceed through this sequence of biological events. Various hormone medications are administered during a COH treatment cycle. These hormones are to enhance the growth and maturation of several follicles so as to improve the chances of fertilization. Further medications are sometimes required to trigger ovulation.

AART recommends Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) in conjunction with a COH cycle as a means of further enhancing the probability of conception.

IUI is a procedure whereby sperm is introduced, via medical intervention, into the uterus close to the time of ovulation. This can be either the partner’s or donor sperm.

Patients can access more information about these treatments on our patient portal.