Trying to conceive can be a deeply emotional and sometimes frustrating experience—especially when months go by without those two pink lines. For many couples I meet here at my clinic in Chandigarh, the missing piece often lies in something as basic yet crucial as ovulation. If periods are irregular or absent, your body might just need a little help. That’s where Ovulation Induction with Timed Intercourse (OI-TI) comes in.
OI-TI is one of the simplest and most natural ways to boost your chances of getting pregnant—without jumping straight into complex treatments like IVF. In fact, many of our success stories begin right here.
What Exactly Is OI-TI?
Think of OI-TI as a medically guided way to help your body ovulate regularly—and then time intercourse during your most fertile window. Here’s how we typically go about it:
Step 1: Cycle Tracking
We start monitoring your ovaries through ultrasounds from Day 2 or 3 of your cycle.
Step 2: Ovulation Medication
You may be given oral medications like Letrozole or Clomiphene (Clomid) to gently stimulate egg growth.
Step 3: Ovulation Trigger (if needed)
Sometimes, a small hormone injection (hCG) is used to precisely time ovulation.
Step 4: Guided Timing
We’ll let you know exactly when to try for pregnancy—those 1–2 key days matter more than you think!
Step 5: Post-Ovulation Support
In select cases, we add progesterone to support implantation.
It’s simple, cost-effective, and surprisingly effective—especially for those dealing with PCOS, mild hormonal imbalances, or unexplained infertility.
Is OI-TI Right for You?
You may be a good fit for OI-TI if:
- You have irregular or no ovulation (common in PCOS)
- You’re under 35 and have been trying naturally for under 1–2 years
- Your partner’s semen analysis is normal or nearly normal
- Your fallopian tubes are open (confirmed via HSG or laparoscopy)
- You’re not ready emotionally or financially for IVF or IUI just yet
For many such couples, OI-TI offers a hopeful and less invasive starting point.
Why Not Skip to IVF?
That’s a question I get often.
While IVF has its place, OI-TI is less invasive, more affordable, and gives you a chance to conceive more naturally. It also helps us understand how your body responds to medications and whether basic ovulatory issues can be resolved without more aggressive interventions.
We often see couples conceive in the first few cycles—no injections, no lab work, just a little support and a lot of timing.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid During OI-TI
Even though OI-TI is low-tech, it needs high commitment. Here’s what not to do:
- Skipping ultrasounds: Ovulation is all about timing, and monitoring helps us time it right.
- Not following intercourse advice: Missing your fertile window can reduce success.
- Taking medications incorrectly: Every dose matters—follow instructions closely.
- Ignoring lifestyle: Smoking, stress, and poor nutrition all lower your chances.
- Expecting immediate results: It might take 2–3 cycles. That’s okay.
We’ll be with you through each step, keeping things clear and encouraging.
What to Expect When You Visit Us
At our fertility clinic in Chandigarh, we tailor each OI-TI plan to your unique profile. We begin with a detailed consultation, hormone testing, ultrasound monitoring, and a semen analysis for your partner.
You’ll receive:
- Pre-treatment counselling
- Customised medication plan
- Precise guidance on timing
- Emotional and nutritional support throughout
If OI-TI doesn’t work after 3–4 cycles, we explore the next steps like IUI or IVF together—with clarity and compassion.
A Note of Hope
You don’t have to rush into IVF right away.
Many couples get pregnant with just OI-TI—especially when ovulation is the main issue. I’ve had the joy of seeing hundreds of women walk into our clinic with doubt and walk out with the happiest news of their lives.
If you’re looking for a simple, guided, and low-stress starting point in your fertility journey, OI-TI might just be the right step forward.
FAQs About OI-TI
Who benefits the most from OI-TI?
Women with irregular ovulation (like in PCOS), mild hormonal imbalances, or unexplained infertility.
What medicines are commonly used?
Letrozole and Clomiphene Citrate are the most common. Sometimes we use a hormone injection to trigger ovulation.
How do you time intercourse?
With ultrasound scans. Once your egg is mature, we guide you on the 1–2 most fertile days.
How many cycles should we try?
We usually recommend 3–4 cycles before exploring other options like IUI or IVF.
What are the chances of success with OI-TI?
Success with OI-TI can vary from couple to couple—it really depends on factors like the woman’s age, the underlying cause of infertility, and overall health. On average, the chances of conception per cycle are around 10–15 %. We tend to see better results in younger women and in those where the main issue is irregular ovulation, like in PCOS.
Are there any side effects or risks involved?
Most women handle ovulation induction medications quite well. However, like with any treatment, a few side effects are possible. You might experience some bloating, mood swings, or mild lower abdominal discomfort.
In rare cases, there’s a risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), where the ovaries over-respond to medication. Also, because we sometimes stimulate more than one egg, there’s a slightly increased chance of twin pregnancies.
Is OI-TI a painful or invasive treatment?
Not at all. OI-TI is considered one of the gentlest fertility treatments. You’ll take oral medicines for a few days, come in for some quick ultrasound scans, and then follow our advice on when to try for pregnancy. There’s no surgery, no anesthesia, and no painful procedures involved.
Can lifestyle really make a difference during OI-TI?
Yes, it absolutely can. Fertility is not just about medications—your body’s overall health plays a huge role. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a well-balanced diet, cutting down on excess caffeine or alcohol, and managing stress levels can significantly boost your chances of success. A few small changes in daily routine can sometimes make a big impact on how well your body responds to treatment.
About the Author
Dr. Shikha Sardana is a trusted Fertility & IVF Specialist and Consultant Gynecologist based in Chandigarh. With a compassionate approach and a science-backed practice, she has helped hundreds of couples achieve their dream of parenthood through individualized fertility care. At her clinic, each treatment plan—be it OI-TI, IUI, or IVF—is designed with empathy, clarity, and hope at its core.
To schedule a consultation or learn more about fertility treatments, reach out to our team today.