Artificial insemination is usually combined with superovulation (stimulating multiple eggs to grow). This type of treatment is useful in cases where there is mild endometriosis, failure to ovulate, abnormalities in the semen analysis, sexual dysfunction (premature ejaculation of inability to ejaculate into the vagina) and unexplained infertility. Frozen thawed sperm can be used for artificial insemination when the male partner is away during the time of ovulation.

The treatment is started in the first 3 days of the period and medications are given to cause eggs to grow.

These medications include tablets containing clomiphene citrate eg. Clomid, Serophene, Fertimed, Clomihexal or fertility injections containing FSH (Follicle stimulating hormone) eg Gonal F, Pergonal, Menogon. These are all used to stimulate the growth of eggs (oocytes). The follicles containing eggs can be seen on ultrasound scan. Monitoring of the treatment cycles using blood tests and ultrasound scans is usually starting on day 10 – 12 of the cycle.

In PCOS high insulin levels in the blood inhibit ovulation, and recent research has shown that insulin sensitizing medications such as Metformin can be used to improve ovulation rates. These medications are usually used in the treatment of diabetes. Part of the standard investigations for PCOS now include a fasting blood test for glucose (sugar) and insulin levels.