Female Reproduction via Timed Intercourse

Timed intercourse is the most basic treatment for failure to achieve pregnancy. If a basic work-up determines that your fallopian tubes are open, your ovaries are producing normal follicles, the lining of your uterus is developing adequately, and your partner’s semen is normal, you may be advised to attempt pregnancy through timed intercourse. This procedure involves regular visits and ultrasounds to predict the time of ovulation and determine the times you and your partner will be advised to have intercourse. Timing of intercourse in this way helps to insure that sperm will be in the fallopian tube at the time the egg is released and begins to travel down to the uterus.

A more advanced form of this treatment includes the use of ultrasound to monitor the development of the follicle/egg and the lining of the uterus. Additionally, medication may be prescribed and taken orally or a “trigger shot” of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG, or, Profasi) may be given to stimulate ovulation and assist in the timing of intercourse.

Clomid During Timed Intercourse

Chomiphene or Clomid is a tablet that aids the ovaries to produce eggs. As a result it can increase the chances of a multiple birth, which are twins or triplets. Clomid can be used for women who do not ovulate on a regular basis, for example women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). It may also be offered to women with unexplained fertility that are ovulating as a first intervention. In such cases it should not be used for more than six cycles.

Clomid is administered on Day 2 of the menstrual cycle for five days. The couple will then be advised to start having sexual intercourse 3 times per week. Clomid can be used in conjunction with follicular tracking to monitor the number of follicles as well as advising timed intercourse around ovulation.

FSH or Follicle Stimulating Hormone is used to help the ovaries produce eggs. There may be a risk with multiple births as more then one follicle can develop. When using FSH ultrasounds will be performed regularly to monitor the number of follicles developing. In addition FSH also thickens the lining of the uterus to aid implantation. When the follicles are approximately 18mm or above, then an HCG injection will be advised.

HCG or Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin is a drug which enables the egg to further mature. It also aids the release of the egg in the follicle. Timed intercourse or the IUI procedure will be scheduled so that sperm will be present when the egg is released from the follicle, in order for fertilization to take place in the fallopian tube.

Last updated: August 11, 2008
Reviewed by Dr. Rachel McConnell and her medical staff