Menstrual cycle stimulation in Milan

Stimulated cycles are a key component of medically assisted procreation (MAP) treatments. This process involves the use of drugs to stimulate the ovaries to produce more oocytes (eggs) than the normal menstrual cycle.

The stimulated cycle is assisted by the experienced infertility gynecologist and involves the following steps:

1. Ovarian Stimulation: The stimulated cycle begins with the administration of hormonal drugs (gonadotropins) to stimulate the ovaries to develop more follicles. For a stimulated cycle, which involves intercourse at the end, the number of follicles that are deemed suitable is one or two at most. In fact, one risk of overproliferation is twin pregnancy.
2. Monitoring: During stimulation, regular monitoring through transvaginal ultrasound and hormone testing is essential to assess ovarian response and follicle evolution.
3. Ovulation Induction: Once the follicles have reached optimal size, an injection of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropic hormone) is administered to induce ovulation. At 36 hours, the couple will be advised to have intercourse.

Stimulated cycles are considered the first step (or first level) of medically assisted procreation treatments and have the following benefits:

Increased Chances of Conception: Stimulated cycles can increase the chances of conception by ensuring the woman’s ovulation and better timing of intercourse.
Management of the anovulatory patient: Especially useful for women with ovulation problems, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Ovarian stimulation requires close monitoring by fertility specialists to avoid complications such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a rare but potentially serious condition. Stimulated cycles represent an important strategy in reproductive medicine, offering a chance for spontaneous conception with only mild medicalization.