Common Questions

Q. When does ovulations start?
A. Young girls typically start having menses at about age 13.  However, this does not mean they are ovulating. 

It may take many more years of maturing of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis before a young lady is ovulating on a regular basis.
 
Q. When does ovulation end?
A. The average age of menopause is 51.4 years.  The normal range when ovulations stops are between ages 35 to 65. 
 
Q. Can multiple follicles release more than one egg? 
A. Yes.  Fraternal twins occur when more than one egg is fertilized.  They are distinctly different eggs that have been released by multiple follicles.  This occurs more with ovarian stimulation with medications.  Identical twins occur when the same fertilized egg splits into two.

Q. What do ovulation drugs do?
A. Ovulation drugs can help increase the production of progesterone to support the formation of adequate endometrial lining for implantation. 

Ovulation drugs also may stimulate the ovaries to produce more follicles able to provide an egg(s).  Some types of drugs can help mature the follicle just at the right time and enable the release of the egg at the most opportune or convenient times.
 
Q. When should I see a specialist if I want to get pregnant.
A. A general rule of thumb is to see a reproductive endocrinologist after a year of unprotected intercourse without achieving pregnancy. 

This assumes you are having regular and cyclic periods.  If you are not regular in your menstrual cycles you should see the specialist sooner.  You should also see the specialist sooner if you are starting your family late.