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Fertility Glossary

Controlled ovarian stimulation

Injectable hormones used in IVF to grow several follicles at once.

IVF & IUI

Rather than allowing one follicle to dominate, IVF stimulation uses daily FSH-based injections so that many follicles mature together, typically over eight to 14 days with scans and blood tests along the way. Doses are individualised using age, AMH and antral follicle count and are adjusted during the cycle.

Also known as: stimulation, stims, ovarian stimulation

Related Canada guides

Sources

  • Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society (CFAS)

Last reviewed: September 9, 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.

Related terms

Gonadotropin

Injectable FSH-based medication that stimulates the ovaries.

Antagonist protocol

The most common IVF protocol, using a GnRH antagonist to prevent early ovulation.

Follicle tracking

Serial ultrasound scans that measure growing follicles during a cycle.

OHSS (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome)

An excessive response to fertility drugs that makes the ovaries swell and fluid shift.

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