Especially for women with polycystic ovaries who do not have a regular cycle, mild ovarian stimulation is one of the first options.

The goal of ovarian stimulation is to ensure ovulation of at least one egg. The more eggs become available for fertilization, the higher the chance of conception (but the chance of multiple pregnancy also increases).

Ovarian stimulation is accomplished by oral drugs such as clomiphene or letrozole (or by injectable drugs which -in larger doses- are used for IVF). The most common regime consists of 2 clomiphene tablets a day for 5 days (one tablet in the morning and one in the evening) starting on the 2nd or 3rd day of the cycle.

In order to monitor the effect of stimulation, the cycle must be monitored by ultrasound and/or blood tests so that the doctor can assess how the ovaries respond to the treatment. If the ovarian response is too small or too big, then the dose should be increased or decreased accordingly in the next cycle.

When the egg (or eggs) is mature enough, the doctor may prescribe an injection to ensure ovulation will occur as planned.

The couple may then try to conceive naturally or by insemination (IUI).

BE CAREFUL THOUGH:

Just because clomiphene is a relatively simple and inexpensive drug, this does not mean that it is innocent or that it can be taken without doctor’s supervision.  

THIS WOULD BE A BIG MISTAKE AND COULD EVEN BE DANGEROUS FOR THE WOMAN’S HEALTH.

You should never take medications without medical advice or supervision.