Ovulation Induction & PCOS

Ovulation induction is a medical treatment used to stimulate the development and release of eggs (ovulation) in women who have difficulty ovulating or have irregular menstrual cycles. It is commonly used in fertility treatments to enhance the chances of conception. Ovulation induction can involve the use of medication, such as oral fertility drugs (e.g., Clomiphene citrate) or injectable hormones (e.g., gonadotropins). These medications work by regulating hormone levels and promoting the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, which contain the eggs. Monitoring through ultrasound and hormone tests is usually conducted to determine the optimal timing for intercourse or assisted reproductive techniques like intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It is characterised by a combination of symptoms, including irregular or absent menstrual periods, excessive production of androgens (male hormones), and the presence of multiple small cysts on the ovaries. The exact cause of PCOS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

At Beginnings, we are proud to offer a dedicated multi-disciplinary gynae-endocrine service that offers comprehensive fertility services for women with ovulatory disorders and PCOS.

We focus on helping couples with anovulatory subfertility to achieve pregnancy using the least invasive and most efficient treatment options.

Treatment Funding

NHS-funded treatment

The clinical commissioning group (CCG) where your GP is based is responsible for your NHS healthcare costs. Each CCG receives limited funds from central government, which means that each CCG has to set its own priorities. Some CCGs do fund IVF, but usually to a limited extent. Others do not fund IVF at all.The CCGs set their own criteria for treatment to which the assisted conception unit at St Helier Hospital must adhere. If you live within the Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth area and are registered with a GP, you may be eligible for NHS-funded treatment, provided you meet their eligibility criteria.

Self-funded treatment

You may wish to fund your own treatment if your CCG does not fund IVF, or if you do not wish to wait for funding, or if you are not eligible for NHS funding.

We describe the treatment as ‘self-funded’ rather than ‘private’ because the treatment is exactly the same as for patients funded by the NHS. The charges we make are non-profit-making: they are at cost price. All income from self-funded patients is put back into the IVF programme.