Birth control

If you're using assisted reproduction technology to help you conceive, you might be surprised if your doctor prescribes birth control. They are commonly used to suppress the ovaries before the doctor stimulates a cycle, not allowing your body to ovulate naturally. This means the doctor can override your natural menstrual cycle, and ovulation can be induced at the doctor's discretion. Some procedures can't rely on your body's natural ovulation cycle. One reason for this might be timing. Ovulation prediction isn't an exact science, and timing is very important in many procedures. Another cause for a stimulated cycle can be convenience for your schedule and the doctor's. Your doctor might have other reasons for putting you on birth control.