Superovulation

Superovulation is a controlled hyperstimulation of ovarian function aimed at producing more follicles containing oocytes (eggs). Superovulation is usually stimulated using special medications such as clomiphene. It is used in cases of artificial insemination outside the mother's body or with other IVF methods in order to increase the likelihood of pregnancy.

Superovulation can also occur in the form of uncontrolled ovarian hyperstimulation - ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. This is an abnormal reaction of the ovaries, manifested by the formation of many follicles. It is accompanied by abdominal pain, ascites, oliguria and even renal failure. The most dangerous complication is thromboembolism.

1. Superovulation is a controlled hyperstimulation of ovarian function to produce more follicles containing oocytes. Superovulation is usually stimulated by special medications (for example, clomiphene). It is used in the case of artificial insemination outside the mother’s body or in the process of implementing other methods of artificial insemination to increase the likelihood of pregnancy.

2. There is also uncontrolled hyperstimulation of ovarian function (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome), which is an abnormal response of the ovaries resulting in the formation of multiple follicles. It may be accompanied by abdominal pain, ascites, oliguria and even renal failure. The most dangerous complication in this case is thromboembolism.

Super-ovulation: pathology or progress?

The concept of “superovulation” means the formation and development of several follicles in the ovary at once (up to one several millimeters in size). The super-ovary produces up to twenty primary follicles at the same time! When they are conceived, the number of eggs can increase to more than 64!

If we draw an analogy with plants, then superovulation can be called superfertility! However, the use of stimulation is not always justified, since modern technologies use prolonged methods of pain relief. Anything can be triggered by an uncontrolled amount of medications! And it is absolutely clear that the side effects after improper stimulation will be so serious that medical intervention may be required immediately. And then, if stimulation is carried out for weeks, all the most serious complications of a hyperstimulated hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary may appear. Adhesions in the fallopian tubes, peritonitis, abscess spread and infertility, unfortunately, are also consequences of unsuccessful stimulation. There are situations when a woman carries twins, while feeling only an increase in body weight. Such people also give birth easily. In the second case, it would be better to choose natural conception, which often does not require additional attention.