A medication administered during fertility treatments to induce ovulation, a common intervention strategically times the release of an egg from the ovary. This injection, usually human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or a GnRH agonist, mimics the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge that naturally occurs mid-cycle. The intended effect is a controlled and predictable ovulation, optimizing the timing for either intercourse or egg retrieval in assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).
The significance of this intervention lies in its capacity to precisely manage the ovulatory process. This controlled timing is crucial for maximizing the chances of conception, either through timed intercourse, intrauterine insemination (IUI), or during IVF cycles. Historically, its introduction revolutionized fertility treatments by providing greater predictability, leading to higher success rates. The ability to accurately schedule egg retrieval, a key step in IVF, has been particularly impactful.