The number of injections for IVF treatment can vary depending on the specific protocol used, the patient’s individual response, and the fertility clinic’s approach. However, in a typical IVF cycle, you can expect several types of injections over the course of treatment. Here’s a general breakdown:
These are the primary injections used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
Gonadotropins: These hormones stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Common medications include:
FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): Examples are Gonal-F, Follistim, or Puregon.
HMG (Human Menopausal Gonadotropin): Example: Menopur, which contains both FSH and LH. Number of Injections: Typically, these injections are administered daily for 8 to 14 days, depending on your body’s response to the stimulation.
2. Ovulation Suppression Injections
To prevent premature ovulation during ovarian stimulation, medications called GnRH agonists or GnRH antagonists are used.
GnRH Antagonists: Examples include Ganirelix or Cetrotide, which are injected daily or every few days during the stimulation phase.
GnRH Agonists: Sometimes used earlier in the cycle to suppress natural ovulation. Example: Lupron. Number of Injections: These injections are usually given daily for 5 to 7 days during the stimulation phase, depending on the protocol.
3. Trigger Shot
Once your follicles (which contain the eggs) have reached the desired size, a trigger shot is administered to mature the eggs and prepare them for retrieval.
hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin): Common medications include Ovidrel, Pregnyl, or Novarel. Number of Injections: This is usually one injection given 36 hours before the egg retrieval procedure.
4. Luteal Phase Support (Progesterone)
After the egg retrieval and embryo transfer, progesterone is administered to support the uterine lining and promote embryo implantation.
Progesterone Injections: Progesterone in oil is often injected into the muscle, though some clinics offer progesterone as suppositories or gels. Number of Injections: If progesterone is administered via injection, it is usually given daily for 2 weeks, starting the day after egg retrieval. If pregnancy occurs, progesterone injections may continue for several weeks to support the early pregnancy.
Total Injections
Ovarian Stimulation: 8 to 14 injections.
Ovulation Suppression: 5 to 7 injections.
Trigger Shot: 1 injection.
Luteal Phase (Progesterone): 14 injections over two weeks (potentially more if pregnancy is confirmed).
In Total: You can expect approximately 25 to 35 injections during a standard IVF cycle, but the number may vary based on your protocol and how you respond to the medications.
Other Considerations
Some IVF protocols may require fewer injections, such as in mini-IVF or natural IVF cycles.
Your fertility doctor will monitor your response to the medications through ultrasounds and blood tests to determine the exact number of injections needed.
Each injection plays a critical role in optimizing your chances of a successful pregnancy through IVF. If you have concerns about managing the injections, speak with your fertility team, as they can offer support and guidance throughout the process.
Sign Up For Daily Newsletter
Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
