How an Ovulation Tablet Increases Your Chances of Getting Pregnant

Struggling to get pregnant can feel confusing—especially when your menstrual cycle is irregular or unpredictable. For many women, an ovulation tablet becomes the first step to understanding and supporting their fertility. These tablets work by helping your body induce ovulation, especially when natural cycles are off due to issues like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or irregular menstrual cycles.

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, about 25% of infertility cases are due to problems with ovulation. That’s where medications like clomiphene citrate or letrozole come in—they're often prescribed to help stimulate your body to release an egg at the right time.

Let’s break down how these medications work, what hormones are involved, and how they can increase your chances of getting pregnant—naturally or through support like intrauterine insemination (IUI).

What Is an Ovulation Tablet and Why Is It Used?

How does an ovulation tablet work?

An ovulation tablet is an ovulation inducing drug taken to help your body release an egg—especially if you’re dealing with irregular or absent ovulation or ovulation disorders.

It works by blocking estrogen receptors in the brain. This signals your pituitary gland to release more:

• Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) – helps follicles develop
• Luteinizing hormone (LH) – triggers the dominant follicle to release an egg

These hormones support egg development and can correct issues like luteal phase defect.

“Clomiphene citrate induces ovulation in about 80% of women who don’t ovulate regularly.”
— American Society for Reproductive Medicine

When do doctors prescribe it?

Doctors often suggest ovulation tablets if you have:

• Unexplained infertility
• PCOS or are a pcos patient
• A history of irregular menstrual cycles
• Signs of a weak luteal phase

You may also be prescribed ovulation tablets if:

• You’re planning in vitro fertilization (IVF)
• You’re undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART)
• You’re part of couples undergoing ovulation induction

With proper care and guidance, an ovulation tablet can help restore your cycle and improve timing for conception.

"Not sure where to start? Book a consultation with Dr. Anshu Agarwal for expert guidance on ovulation and fertility treatment."

How Does Your Menstrual Cycle Impact Fertility?

Understanding menstrual cycle phases

Your menstrual cycle isn’t just about your period—it’s your body’s monthly preparation for pregnancy. It starts with your menstrual period, followed by the follicular phase, where hormones help multiple follicles grow. One of them becomes the dominant follicle, which releases the egg when ovulation occurs.

If ovulation doesn't happen, it's called anovulation, and that’s one of the most common causes of infertility. Some women might not even realize they’re not ovulating if they still have regular bleeding.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, many cases of ovulation disorders go undiagnosed for months or even years.

When is the best time to try for pregnancy?

Timing matters. The best window is during the fertile days—typically 4–5 days before and on the day ovulation occurs.

If you’re tracking your cycle, watch for changes in cervical mucus, as it becomes clearer and stretchy around ovulation. You can also use a blood test to check hormone levels or confirm if the corpus luteum is forming properly to secrete progesterone.

Missing this window—or having issues like luteal phase defect—can affect pregnancy rates. In some cases, medications or lifestyle changes can help restore a normal menstrual cycle.

“Many women with mild ovulation issues can conceive with minimal intervention if cycles are understood correctly.”
— Dr. Richard Paulson, Former President, ASRM

If you're unsure, talk to your doctor about simple ways to track ovulation or rule out issues like ovarian hyperstimulation, birth defects, or breast cancer risks when starting treatment.

Which Medications Are Used to Induce Ovulation?

What does it mean to induce ovulation?

To induce ovulation means helping your body release a mature egg when it's not doing so naturally. This is often done when ovulation is irregular, missing, or weak. If you’ve been told you have ovulation disorders or absent ovulation, this is likely where your doctor will begin.

The goal is to support the growth of a dominant follicle, ensure the egg is released, and prepare the body to support a fertilized egg. These medications can vary based on your hormone levels, health history, and how your body responds.

“About 25% of women with infertility have issues related to ovulation,” — CDC, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

1. Oral Medications: Clomiphene Citrate and Letrozole

These are usually the first option for women with regular cycles but no ovulation.

• Clomiphene works by blocking estrogen receptors, tricking the brain into releasing more hormones.
• Side effects can include hot flashes, breast tenderness, and mood changes.
• It’s often prescribed for pcos patients and those with a normal menstrual cycle.

2. Injectable Medications: hMG and FSH Injections

If oral options don’t work, injectable medications may be recommended.

• These contain natural hormones to stimulate multiple eggs.
• Requires close monitoring to avoid multiple pregnancies or mild abdominal pain.
• Doctors may check your hormone produced during treatment with a blood test.

3. Trigger Shot: Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

The hCG shot is used to trigger ovulation when the follicle is ready.

• Helps release the ovulated egg at the ideal time for conception.
• Sometimes used alongside fertility treatments like IUI or IVF.

4. Hormone-Regulating Drugs: GnRH Agonists and Antagonists

These medications help control the timing of ovulation.

• Useful for women with gonadotropin therapy or when using assisted reproductive technology.
• Help prevent premature egg release and improve pregnancy rates.

If you're unsure which treatment suits you, ask your doctor about the risks, including rare concerns like ovarian cancer, birth defects, or issues with the uterus and fallopian tubes.

"Facing irregular cycles or ovulation issues? Talk to Dr. Anshu Agarwal and find the right treatment for your body."

What Are the Key Hormones Used in Ovulation Treatment?

Whether or not ovulation happens often depends on your hormone levels. If one part of the hormonal process is out of sync, it can affect your chances of conceiving. That’s why doctors test or prescribe specific hormones to help guide your body into ovulating at the right time.

Let’s walk through the five key hormones commonly used in ovulation treatments and what they actually do.

1. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

FSH is the hormone that tells your ovaries to start preparing eggs.

• It helps multiple follicles grow in the first half of the cycle.
• When one becomes dominant, that’s the egg most likely to be released.
• Low levels of FSH are one reason some women need help with ovulation.

According to the NIH, FSH injections are one of the most effective ways to trigger egg development in women who don’t respond to oral meds.

2. Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (hMG)

hMG is a mix of FSH and LH, often used when oral medications haven’t worked.

• It’s commonly part of injectable treatment plans.
• It supports the development of multiple follicles, which can lead to more than one egg maturing.
• Careful monitoring is needed to reduce the increased risk of multiple pregnancies.

3. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)

hCG is often given as a trigger shot to cause the mature egg to be released.

• It mimics the natural LH surge that normally causes ovulation.
• Used when the follicle is fully grown and ready to release the ovulated egg.
• Doctors may time IUI or intercourse right after the hCG injection for better accuracy.

4. Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH)

GnRH doesn’t directly make eggs grow—it controls the release of FSH and LH from the brain.

• It's helpful in cases where timing is critical, like assisted reproductive technology.
• GnRH agonists or antagonists are also used to prevent premature ovulation.
• Some protocols may use them alongside ovulation medication for cycle control.

“GnRH therapy is often the missing link in complex fertility protocols,” says Dr. Serena Chen, reproductive endocrinologist at IRMS.

5. Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

LH is the hormone responsible for the final push that makes the egg pop out.

• It works with FSH to mature the follicle, then surges to release the egg.
• Some common fertility drugs are designed to mimic or increase LH activity.
• LH testing is also part of many home ovulation predictor kits.

Understanding how these hormones work can help you ask better questions, follow treatment confidently, and recognize what your doctor is trying to support in your cycle.

If you're unsure about any of these terms, you're not alone—many women feel the same. The important thing is, you're learning what your body may need.

What Happens During the Luteal Phase After Ovulation?

Why this phase matters for implantation

The luteal phase is the second half of your menstrual cycle, starting after ovulation occurs. This is when the corpus luteum forms from the ruptured follicle and begins to secrete progesterone. That hormone thickens the uterine lining to prepare for a fertilized egg to implant.

If the luteal phase isn’t strong or long enough, the body may not hold onto the pregnancy—even if fertilization happens. Doctors may check hormone levels to confirm whether you're producing enough progesterone. Some women also experience spotting or early periods due to a luteal phase defect.

“A luteal phase shorter than 10 days may interfere with proper implantation,” — Cleveland Clinic

What if the luteal phase is too short or weak?

A short luteal phase is often treated with hormone support. Doctors may use ovulation medication, progesterone supplements, or time treatments like intrauterine insemination more precisely. This helps ensure the lining stays thick enough for the embryo to stay attached.

But here’s where things need careful handling—especially if you’re using injectable fertility meds. Strong stimulation can sometimes lead to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

• OHSS happens when the ovaries over-respond to fertility treatments.
• It can cause mild abdominal pain, bloating, or in rare cases, fluid buildup in the abdomen.
• If you’re at risk, your doctor may adjust your dose or delay the cycle.

According to the Mayo Clinic, OHSS affects about 3% to 6% of women using injectable fertility hormones.

If you're working with a specialist, they'll monitor you closely—usually through blood tests and ultrasounds—to avoid this complication. The good news? Most cases are mild and resolve on their own within days.

Being aware of your luteal phase and how your body responds helps personalize your care. It's a small window of time, but it plays a big role in whether a pregnancy can begin.

Can Intrauterine Insemination Help You Get Pregnant?

What is intrauterine insemination (IUI)?

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a simple fertility procedure where washed and concentrated sperm are placed directly into the uterus. This gives sperm a head start by bypassing the cervical mucus and shortening the distance to the fallopian tubes. It’s a less invasive and more affordable option compared to in vitro fertilization.

IUI is often timed precisely with ovulation medication or a trigger shot to ensure the egg is ready to meet the sperm. The entire process is quick, usually painless, and done in a doctor’s office.

“IUI is especially useful in cases of unexplained infertility or mild male factor infertility,” — American Society for Reproductive Medicine

When is it combined with ovulation tablets?

Doctors may suggest combining IUI with ovulation tablets like clomiphene citrate or injectable medications to stimulate ovulation and increase the number of eggs released.

This is especially helpful for:

• Women with irregular menstrual cycles
• Those diagnosed with ovulation disorders
• Couples undergoing ovulation induction who want to time everything precisely

The goal is to create the best possible timing between the ovulated egg and the sperm placement. Your doctor will track your hormone levels, follicle size, and timing to improve pregnancy rates—without needing to jump straight into more advanced procedures.

What are the Common side effects of fertility medications

Fertility medications can be incredibly helpful—but like any treatment, they may come with side effects. The experience varies from person to person, and many symptoms are mild and temporary. Let’s walk through the most common ones you might notice.

1. Breast Tenderness

Many women report sore or swollen breasts after taking ovulation medication or injectable medications. This happens due to increased hormone activity—especially around ovulation. It's uncomfortable but usually fades after your menstrual period begins.

2. Hot Flashes and Mood Changes

Medications like clomiphene citrate can affect the estrogen receptors in your brain. This can lead to hot flashes, irritability, or sudden mood swings. Think of it like PMS—just amplified a bit.

3. Mild Abdominal Pain or Bloating

You might feel some mild abdominal pain or fullness around the time ovulation occurs, especially if you're producing multiple follicles. This is generally a good sign that your body is responding—but if it gets too uncomfortable, talk to your doctor.

4. Headaches and Nausea

Hormonal changes can sometimes trigger headaches, nausea, or dizziness. These symptoms are more likely with injectable medications or higher doses. Staying hydrated and eating small meals can help ease the discomfort.

5. Increased Risk of Multiple Pregnancies

Fertility meds may cause multiple eggs to mature and release. This raises the chance of multiple pregnancies (twins or more), which comes with higher pregnancy risks like preterm labor or gestational diabetes. Your doctor will carefully monitor to reduce this increased risk.

6. Rare but Serious: Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

OHSS is rare but can happen if your ovaries overreact to medications. Symptoms include:

• Sudden bloating or rapid weight gain
• Severe pelvic pain
• Shortness of breath

According to the Mayo Clinic, OHSS affects 3% to 6% of women using injectable hormones.

Always let your doctor know if something feels off. Most side effects are manageable—but staying informed helps you handle treatment with confidence.

When Should You Talk to Your Doctor About Ovulation Treatment?

If you've been trying to conceive without success, it's natural to feel concerned. While occasional irregularities in your menstrual cycle are common, persistent issues may indicate underlying problems. Recognizing these signs early can make a significant difference in your fertility journey.

Consider consulting your doctor if you experience:

• Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Cycles shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days.
• Known Ovulation Disorders: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hypothalamic amenorrhea.
• Luteal Phase Concerns: Symptoms suggesting a luteal phase defect, such as spotting before your period or low progesterone levels.
• Unsuccessful Self-Treatment: No improvement after using ovulation tablets or other fertility treatments on your own.

Early intervention can provide clarity and open up effective treatment options. Don't hesitate to seek professional advice to understand your reproductive health better.

Dr. Anshu Agarwal’s Advice for Women Trying to Conceive

Dr. Anshu Agarwal, a renowned gynecologist and fertility specialist based in Ranchi, brings over 18 years of experience in women's health.

She has successfully assisted numerous patients in achieving pregnancy without resorting to IVF treatments. Her patient-centric approach and extensive expertise make her a trusted advisor in fertility care.

Dr. Agarwal emphasizes the following:

• Timely Consultation: "If you're under 35 and haven't conceived after a year of trying—or after six months if you're over 35—it's time to consult a specialist."
• Comprehensive Evaluation: "Understanding both partners' health is crucial. Fertility is a shared journey."
• Personalized Treatment Plans: "Every individual is unique. Treatments should be tailored to your specific needs and circumstances."

"Take the first step toward pregnancy by scheduling your personalized fertility consultation with Dr. Anshu Agarwal today."

FAQs on Fertility Drugs

1. What are the steps in ovulation induction?

Ovulation induction usually starts with a basic fertility workup, followed by medications to help your ovaries grow follicles. Your doctor will monitor your response through ultrasounds and blood tests. Once the follicle is mature, you may be given a trigger shot (like hCG) to release the egg at the right time.

2. How long between ovulation and conception?

Conception doesn’t happen the second you ovulate. The egg lives for about 12–24 hours, while sperm can survive for up to 5 days. So technically, conception can occur anytime during your fertile window, even if you had intercourse before ovulation.

3. Which hormone induces ovulation?

The key hormone responsible for triggering ovulation is luteinizing hormone (LH). Right before the egg is released, your LH levels surge—this is what ovulation kits usually detect. Sometimes, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is used to mimic this surge during treatment.

4. What is the short protocol for ovulation induction?

A short protocol is often used in IVF or advanced treatments. It involves starting gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) drugs early in your cycle to control timing, followed by FSH injections. It’s designed for women who respond quickly or need a more tailored approach.

5. What drugs are used for super ovulation?

Super ovulation uses higher doses of fertility meds to produce multiple follicles, not just one. Drugs like FSH injections or human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) are commonly used here. This approach is often paired with assisted reproductive technology like IUI or IVF.

6. Is ovulation induced by estrogen?

Not directly. Estrogen plays a supporting role—it rises during the follicular phase and helps thicken the lining. But it’s the LH surge, triggered by signals from your brain, that actually causes the egg to release.

Conclusion

Trying to get pregnant can feel like a guessing game—but it doesn’t have to be. If you're dealing with irregular cycles or absent ovulation, the right ovulation tablet can help bring clarity and direction. From understanding your hormones to exploring treatments like IUI or ovulation induction, there are real, science-backed options available.

The key is knowing when to ask for help and what to ask about. You don’t have to figure it all out alone—talk to your doctor, get a plan, and take that next step with confidence. Your journey matters, and support is always within reach.