Ovulation occurs if the ovary releases an egg and sends it to the fallopian tube for sperm fertilisation. However, when any condition interferes with the ovulation process, it can prevent the woman from getting pregnant. In fact, ovulation problems are one of the top causes of female infertility. If you are having a challenging time getting pregnant, then IRM can support your journey by diagnosing the underlying problem. You will be screened for ovulation disorders, and if any abnormalities are found, then a fertility expert can help you with the right treatment.

Normal Ovulation

The ovaries have thousands of fluid-filled follicles, and each of them holds a premature egg. Every month, when one egg matures, the follicle releases the egg and sends it to the fallopian tube. While this brief summary might sound simple, the process is complex, needs perfect timing, and is tightly controlled by multiple hormones. The brain releases hormones that control the reproduction process. The hormones affect the ovaries and your reproductive organs. Any issue that interrupts hormonal communication and affects hormone levels leads to ovulation disorders and infertility.

Ovulation Disorders

Any hormone that interrupts the maturation of an egg and its release during the monthly menstrual cycle causes ‘ovulation disorder’. While there are many causes of ovulatory dysfunction, the major ones are:

• • PCOS: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is caused by hormonal imbalance and is associated with obesity and insulin resistance. PCOS is regarded as one of the leading causes of female infertility.
• • Hypothalamic Dysfunction: FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) that are produced by the pituitary gland are responsible for stimulating the monthly ovulation cycle. Both mental and physical stress, sudden weight gain and loss, and low body weight can result in hormonal imbalance, resulting in ovulation disorder.
• • Premature Ovarian Failure: This condition is also known as primary ovarian insufficiency and can be a premature loss of eggs from the ovaries or even an autoimmune issue. This can be the result of a medical therapy like chemotherapy or a genetic condition. In such instances, the ovary does not produce eggs, and the oestrogen levels get lowered before age 40.
• • Excess Prolactin: This condition is called hyperprolactinemia, where the pituitary glands produce excess prolactin that results in reduced oestrogen production, resulting in fertility problems. This occurs during the fallout of taking medications for another condition.

Diagnosing and Treating Ovulation Disorders

If you are not able to conceive naturally, then a visit to a fertility specialist is highly recommended. Our team of specialists usually suggests the following:

• • Over-the-counter test kit to analyse if the LH hormone production is at an accepted level
• • Blood tests to check prolactin and progesterone levels
• • Ovarian reserve testing is used to determine the quality and quantity of eggs. Women over 35 have a depleted quantity of eggs.
• • Hormone testing is used to check the levels of ovulatory hormones, along with pituitary and thyroid hormones that control the reproductive process.
• • At times, we suggest genetic testing or laparoscopy to detect abnormalities.

The treatment for ovulation disorders depends on the cause, and while medication is the first choice, if the fertility drugs are unable to produce the desired result, then the team of fertility experts suggests IVF treatment to the couple for getting pregnant.

IRM: We Have Helped Thousands Of Couples Enjoy The Bliss Of Parenthood

At IRM, we help treat ovulation disorders by undertaking a wholesome approach. Our team advises medication for regulating the menstrual cycle or offers IVF treatment along with lifestyle management programmes to manage the disorder. We tailor your treatment plan depending on the cause of the ovarian disorder. Connect with our team of fertility experts to learn more and get an effective, customised treatment plan.