Reader’s question: Did I Ovulate?
My husband and I have been married for two years and we have been trying for a baby with no success. As per normal, I had been charting after half a year of marriage and I realised that I do ovulate monthly, with the second phase of the cycle with higher temperature.
We went for IUI half a year ago and for that month, to my horror, I did not seem to ovulate, based on my temperature reading. It remained low throughout.
The question that puzzled me was this; Did I ovulate? See, I was given a jab a day before IUI (the doctor told me it was meant for me to ovulate within the next 24 hours). After IUI, I was given two types of medication, namely Progynova and Utrogestan for the next 14 days.
Could it be that I was allergic to the medicine? Or the jab? Did I ovulate? Please advise.
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Doctor’s answer to: Did I ovulate?
The basal body temperature is not a very accurate method of monitoring ovulation as the body temperature may be affected by several factors including physical activity and minor illnesses.
The most accurate method of monitoring of ovulation is by ultrasound scan to check the growth of follicles (fluid filled spaces in the ovaries containing the egg) in the ovaries.
Usually, once the follicle matures (reaches a size of 18 mm), an Human Chorionic Gonadotropin injection is given and IUI is done 36 hours later to coincide with the approximate time of ovulation.
Women may fail to ovulate especially in stressful situations. It could be that you were very anxious during the IUI attempt resulting in failure of ovulation that month. As I am not clear which allergy you are referring to, it is best to consult your doctor on this.
Answered by: Dr Anupriya Agarwal Associate Consultant Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology: National University Hospital (NUH)