Anovulatory Infertility
Anovulatory infertility happens when the ovaries do not release an egg during a menstrual cycle. Without ovulation there is no egg to fertilise, so conception cannot occur. It is one of the most common and treatable causes of female infertility, accounting for roughly a quarter of infertility cases seen across Asia and globally.
Medicines used to treat Anovulatory Infertility
Why ovulation fails
The most frequent underlying cause is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which affects a significant proportion of women of reproductive age throughout South and Southeast Asia. Other triggers include thyroid disorders, elevated prolactin levels, low body weight, and stress. Cycles may be irregular or absent altogether, though some women have apparently normal cycles yet still do not ovulate.
Restoring ovulation
The first step is usually confirming anovulation through blood tests (mid-cycle progesterone, LH, FSH) and an ultrasound. Once confirmed, treatment targets the root cause. Where PCOS or unexplained anovulation is the diagnosis, ovulation induction with clomifene is a well-established approach. Lifestyle changes, particularly reaching a healthy weight, can restore ovulation on their own in some women. Further options within women’s health include gonadotrophins or, when structural factors are involved, a surgical referral.
If you have had unprotected sex for twelve months without conception (or six months if you are over 35), a fertility evaluation is worthwhile.