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FERTILITY TREATMENT CALENDAR & WHAT TO EXPECT
Your Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) Journey
Every fertility journey is individualized. Your exact treatment plan may vary depending on:
- Age
- Hormonal profile
- Ovarian reserve
- Diagnosis
- Previous fertility history
- Response to medications
Your fertility specialist will customize the treatment protocol that best suits you.
TYPICAL CONTROLLED OVARIAN STIMULATION CALENDAR
STEP 1: MENSTRUAL PERIOD STARTS
Cycle Day 1
Day 1 = First day of full menstrual bleeding
Once your period begins:
✔ Notify the fertility clinic
✔ Schedule baseline assessment
✔ Prepare for scans and medication start
STEP 2: BASELINE ASSESSMENT
Cycle Day 2–5
At this visit, we may perform:
Pelvic Ultrasound Scan
To assess:
- Ovarian follicles
- Ovarian cysts
- Endometrial lining
- Baseline ovarian reserve
- Hormonal Blood Tests
May include:
- FSH
- LH
- Estradiol (E2)
- AMH
- Progesterone
- Thyroid profile
Purpose
To confirm your body is ready to safely start stimulation.
STEP 3: START FERTILITY MEDICATION
Cycle Day 2–5
Treatment may include:
ORAL OVULATION MEDICATIONS
Examples:
Letrozole
Often taken: 5 consecutive days
OR
Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid)
Typically: 5 consecutive days
Purpose:
✔ Stimulate egg growth
✔ Improve ovulation
INJECTABLE OVARIAN STIMULATION
Some patients may require injections.
Examples may include:
- FSH injections
- HMG injections
Purpose:
✔ Encourage multiple follicle development
✔ Improve conception opportunity
Typical Duration
8–14 days
STEP 4: FOLLICULAR MONITORING
Cycle Day 8–14
Serial ultrasound scans are done to assess:
✔ Number of follicles
✔ Follicle growth
✔ Endometrial thickness
✔ Ovulation timing
You may require:
Scans every 2–4 days
TARGET FOLLICLE SIZE
Ovulation commonly occurs when follicles reach approximately:
18–22 mm
Your doctor will determine the best timing.
STEP 5: TRIGGER INJECTION
Usually Cycle Day 10–16
When follicles are mature:
A Trigger Injection may be given.
Purpose:
✔ Final egg maturation
✔ Timing ovulation precisely
Ovulation usually occurs:
Approximately 36–40 hours later
STEP 6: TIMED INTERCOURSE / IUI / IVF
Depending on your treatment plan:
Timed Intercourse
You may be advised on specific intercourse timing.
OR
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Sperm is prepared and inserted into the uterus.
OR
IVF Egg Collection
Egg retrieval may be scheduled.
YOUR FERTILITY TREATMENT CALENDAR
Lafemme Tip:
Bring your medication diary to every appointment and inform the clinic immediately if:
- You miss a dose
- You experience severe pain
- You develop bloating
- You have medication side effects
MEDICATION REMINDERS
Important Medication Rules
✔ Take medication exactly as prescribed
✔ Take injections at the same time daily
✔ Do not skip appointments
✔ Do not self-adjust doses
✔ Inform your doctor about side effects
COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF FERTILITY MEDICATION
Some patients may experience:
Mild Symptoms
✔ Mild bloating
✔ Breast tenderness
✔ Mood changes
✔ Mild pelvic discomfort
✔ Mild headache
These are usually expected and temporary.
WARNING SIGNS – CONTACT LAFEMME IMMEDIATELY
Seek urgent review if you develop:
❌ Severe abdominal pain
❌ Difficulty breathing
❌ Severe bloating
❌ Rapid weight gain
❌ Severe nausea or vomiting
❌ Reduced urine output
These may suggest:
OVARIAN HYPERSTIMULATION SYNDROME (OHSS)
UNDERSTANDING OHSS (OVARIAN HYPERSTIMULATION SYNDROME)
OHSS occurs when ovaries over-respond to fertility medication.
Mild OHSS
May include:
- Mild bloating
- Mild discomfort
Moderate OHSS
May include:
- Significant abdominal swelling
- Nausea
- Pelvic discomfort
Severe OHSS
Requires urgent medical attention.
Symptoms may include:
❌ Severe pain
❌ Breathing difficulty
❌ Severe swelling
❌ Dizziness
IMPORTANT REMINDER
Most patients complete fertility stimulation safely and successfully.
At Lafemme Healthcare Fertility Clinic, we monitor your cycle carefully to maximize success while prioritizing safety.