Starting an IVF journey is a life-changing event. You undergo transformations in your physical, emotional, and mental states throughout this process. Furthermore, you also need to take medications during this process, which can and often does change your body. Among many forms of medications out there, injections are a key type. While it may seem a bit scary on the surface, especially for those who are afraid of syringes, it is an essential aspect. The important thing to note about injections is that they all differ from one another. You need to take different injections depending on the phase of IVF. However, is there nothing more to injections? The response to this query is a resounding no.
In this blog, we provide you with information regarding the various aspects of IVF injections, including why injections are used in IVF treatment, different types of injections, the benefits of IVF injections, and more
Why Are Injections Used in IVF Treatment
Injections in IVF play an important part as they help in administering medications which aid in controlling and enhancing the body's natural reproductive process. By doing so, the experts can increase the chance of a successful pregnancy. Some of the key reasons why injections are used include:
Stimulate the ovaries
Fertility medications (usually hormone injections like FSH or LH) encourage the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs instead of just one.This enhances the quantity of eggs that can be collected and fertilized.
Control ovulation timing
IVF relies on precise timing.Specific injections (such as GnRH agonists or antagonists) stop premature ovulation, thereby making sure the eggs remain in the ovaries until they are ready to be retrieved. To induce the final maturation of the eggs, an injection of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) or a similar substance is administered at the appropriate moment, preparing the eggs for collection during the egg retrieval process.
Support the uterine lining
After egg retrieval, progesterone injections may be given to prepare and support the uterine lining, making it more receptive to the embryo during implantation.
Besides these four purposes, the injections may also contain other medications which aid in the process. However, with a few exceptions, in general, injections are used to stimulate, regulate, and support the reproductive process with the goal of optimizing the chances of a healthy pregnancy.
Types of IVF Injections
As we stated earlier, different types of injections are not equivalent. Depending on the specifics of your conditions and the stage of IVF, IVF administers you with a wide range of injections. Some of these key injections include the following:
FSH Injections (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)
FSH is a hormone that occurs naturally and facilitates the development of ovarian follicles that hold the eggs. During the IVF process synthetic FSH injections such as Gonal-F, Follistim, and Puregon are used to increase the number of eggs maturing at once. This provides you with more options for retrieval and fertilization. These hormones generally start early in the stimulation phase of your cycle, and the injections are taken daily for multiple days. hMG Injections (Human Menopausal Gonadotropin)
hMG includes both FSH and LH, which are the two crucial hormones that play a role in the ovarian cycle.While FSH helps eggs grow, LH supports their maturation. hMG injections are used when both hormones are needed for optimal follicle development. It’s especially helpful in women with certain hormone imbalances or poor ovarian response. The key function of the hMG is to promote follicle growth with a combination of FSH and LH.
Menopur Injection
Rather than a separate type of injection, Menopur is a specific brand of hMG which is typically used during ovarian stimulation. This injection aids in growing multiple eggs and also ensures that the eggs reach the right level of maturity. Some of you may be prescribed Menopur as the sole medication, while others may be injected with this medication alongside FSH to boost follicular response.
Progesterone Injections
After egg retrieval, the level of progesterone hormone in your body drops naturally, especially during IVF cycles where your body is being manipulated hormonally. In these circumstances, progesterone injections are provided to aid in maintaining the right hormonal environment for a fertilized embryo to implant and grow. The injection process typically follows egg retrieval and embryo transfer and can continue for several weeks into early pregnancy.
GnRH Agonists (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonists)
The primary purpose of GnRH agonists is to prevent premature ovulation by suppressing natural hormone cycles. These injections temporarily stop the body’s own hormone production, which allows doctors to control the hormone cycle more precisely and effectively. GnRH Agonists are commonly used in long protocol IVF cycles and are often started multiple weeks before ovarian stimulation.
Lupron / Lupride Injection
Both Lupron and Luprice are types of GnRH agonists, and these injections are used to prevent premature ovulation, ensuring that the eggs are not released before the retrieval procedure. In some protocols, especially in women at risk of OHSS, Lupron may also be used as a trigger shot instead of hCG.
GnRH Antagonists (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Antagonists)
While GnRH agonists work rather slowly, GnRH antagonists work rather quickly. They are generally introduced during the IVF cycle once the follicles start to grow. This is done so to prevent the premature surge of LH, preventing the body from releasing the eggs too early. GnRH antagonists are generally taken daily for a few days during the stimulation phase. The key purpose here is to quickly block premature ovulation during the stimulation process.
HCG Injection (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
HCG injection is also known as the trigger shot and when following the IVF process step-by-step, it is one of the first steps. This injection mimics natural LH surge, causing eggs to mature and be ready for retrieval. That said, you do have to note that timing is extremely important for HCG injection. The ideal timing is around 36 hours before the egg retrieval process, and this injection is often the last injection during the stimulation phase. The key purpose of HCG is to trigger the final maturation of the eggs before retrieval.
Benefits of IVF Injections
IVF is a medical process, and so are IVF injections. So, it goes without saying that injections used in IVF serve a purpose for the process, and there are benefits associated with it. Some of the key benefits include:
Controlled ovulation and increased flexibility
IVF injections provided at the early stages of treatment help suppress the body's natural hormonal rhythms. This allows the experts to take control of the ovulation process so that the eggs do not get released prematurely and can be removed at the optimum time for fertilization. With the ovulation process accurately controlled, the process becomes more predictable and also easier to coordinate with other clinical procedures.
Multiple Mature Oocyte Development in Single Cycle
IVF injections, specifically FSH and hMG, stimulate the ovaries to develop and mature more than one follicle at a time. This is unlike separate follicles formed through the normal menstrual cycle and allows for multiple oocytes to be retrieved during one cycle, offering extra possibilities of successful fertilization and embryo selection.
Better Possibilities of Success
As mentioned earlier, injections increase the number of eggs harvested. This large quantity of mature eggs harvested increases the likelihood of growing healthy embryos. This is because more embryos also mean more chances of selecting the best embryos for transfer, which in turn increases the likelihood of implantation and successful pregnancy.
Personalized treatment
One of the greatest advantages of IVF injections is that their dosage and combination can be adjusted to the individual's hormone profile, age, and response to treatment. Progress is monitored by fertility physicians through regular scans and blood tests, with real-time adjustments to fine-tune the outcome. One-on-one treatment like this also makes therapy more successful while minimizing the risk of over or under-stimulation. These are some of the significant benefits of using injections in an IVF treatment. Aside from the ones stated by us, there may be several other benefits which can be specific to your situation. For this, the ideal thing to do is to consult an IVF specialist.
How Many IVF Injections Per Cycle Are Needed?
The total number of injections of IVF in a cycle does and can vary according to your treatment protocol, hormone level, and your body's reaction. That said, in general, you can receive anywhere from 1 to 3 injections daily. Following is a quick rundown of the major injections and their quantity.
Stimulation hormones (FSH and hMG): You can expect 8 to 12 injections of stimulation hormones. Suppression Injections (GnRH agonists and GnRH antagonists): You get these injections either as a single dose or daily. In general, you should expect 4 to 7 suppression injections.
Trigger Shot (hCG or Lupron): A Trigger shot is a single injection, and you only get a single shot.
Progesterone Injections (Post-Retrieval): if you need these injections, you might need them daily for around 2 to 3 weeks.
Overall, you might be given anywhere around 10 to 30 injections or more depending on the protocol, medication type, and whether or not pregnancy is achieved. Do note that every case is unique, and therefore your fertility specialists shall specify the number and type of injections which suit your individual treatment plan.
IVF Injection Timeline Following the total number of injections needed, the next aspect of the injections that you need to know is the IVF injection schedule. Different injections are given at different phases of IVF. The question here is - when are they given? Following is a table showing the IVF injection timeline along with their purpose.
| Injection Type | Purpose | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) | Stimulates ovaries to produce multiple eggs | Daily for 8–12 days (start of cycle) |
| hMG (Human Menopausal Gonadotropin) | Provides both FSH & LH to support follicle development | Daily during stimulation phase |
| GnRH Agonists | Prevents premature ovulation by suppressing natural hormones | Daily (start before or mid-stimulation) |
| GnRH Antagonists | Rapidly blocks premature ovulation | Daily starting around Day 5–7 of cycle |
| Trigger Shot | Matures eggs and triggers ovulation for retrieval | Single injection ~36 hours before retrieval |
| Progesterone Injections | Prepares uterine lining and supports early pregnancy | Single injection ~36 hours before retrieval |
| Progesterone Injections | Prepares uterine lining and supports early pregnancy |
Side Effects of IVF Injections
Although IVF injections are indeed helpful, one should not forget that, at the end of the day, they are medications and chemicals. Just like any medications, if your body is not suited for it, or if they are misused, then they tend to show some side effects. But the question here is, what are some of the key IVF injection side effects? The key side effects include:
- Redness, swelling, or bruising
- Pain or itching
- Mild irritation is common, especially with daily injections.
- Bloating and abdominal discomfort caused by enlarged ovaries due to stimulation.
- Hormonal fluctuations can lead to emotional sensitivity or irritability.
- Mild and severe Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
- A feeling of exhaustion or low energy
- Rash, itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing are rather rare.
- Anxiety, depression, or increased emotional sensitivity
Should you ever face any of these IVF injection side effects, you should visit your fertility expert immediately. Therefore, you should always report any severe or unusual symptoms to your doctor right away.
Choose Hardik IVF – Your Trusty Guide For IVF Treatment in Nepal
At Hardik IVF, we understand that starting your IVF journey can be overwhelming, especially with the injections daily, mood swings, and endless options. That's the reason we are here to support you with empathy, expertise, and individualized attention throughout the entire process. From scheduling your injection timing to ensuring you're in charge and confident during your treatment, our dedicated fertility specialists are always with you. We offer evidence-based protocols, state-of-the-art fertility technologies, and personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific medical and emotional needs. Whether it is your first IVF cycle or an extended journey to parenthood, Hardik IVF offers a safe, empathetic haven on the basis of trust and outcome. Choose Hardik IVF, where science converges with compassion, and your desire to start your family becomes our pursuit.
FAQ IVF Injections: What You Need To Know Before You Start
What not to do when receiving IVF injections?
Avoid alcohol, smoking, and intense physical activity since these can interfere with hormone balance and reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. Also, don't skip your doses or alter your drug regimen without consulting your fertility specialist.
What is the best time to inject IVF injections?
The majority of IVF injections are administered at a consistent time every day, typically in the evening, as recommended by your physician. Maintaining consistency helps your body respond predictably to the hormones.
How to make sure IVF is successful?
In order to ensure that your IVF is successful, you need to follow the guidance of your fertility clinic to the letter, attend all monitoring sessions and maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout the treatment. Stress reduction and emotional support are also crucial to maximizing success rates.
Do you rest after IVF injections?
Even though you don't have to rest after every injection, relaxing for a little while can decrease discomfort. You should avoid strenuous activity immediately afterwards to prevent irritation at the injection site.
How long do IVF injections stay in your system?
The effects of most IVF injections, like FSH or hCG, typically last a few days, but hormone levels may be influenced for up to a week or more, depending on the drug. Your physician checks hormone levels with blood tests to determine the next course of action.
Which is the most painful IVF injection?
Progesterone oil injections are often referred to as most painful since they are intramuscular and thick. But pain can be minimized if there is a proper technique and prewarming the vial to injection.**
What not to do when receiving IVF injections?
Avoid alcohol, smoking, and intense physical activity since these can interfere with hormone balance and reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. Also, don't skip your doses or alter your drug regimen without consulting your fertility specialist.
What is the best time to inject IVF injections?
The majority of IVF injections are administered at a consistent time every day, typically in the evening, as recommended by your physician. Maintaining consistency helps your body respond predictably to the hormones.
How to make sure IVF is successful?
In order to ensure that your IVF is successful, you need to follow the guidance of your fertility clinic to the letter, attend all monitoring sessions and maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout the treatment. Stress reduction and emotional support are also crucial to maximizing success rates.
Do you rest after IVF injections?
Even though you don't have to rest after every injection, relaxing for a little while can decrease discomfort. You should avoid strenuous activity immediately afterwards to prevent irritation at the injection site.
How long do IVF injections stay in your system?
The effects of most IVF injections, like FSH or hCG, typically last a few days, but hormone levels may be influenced for up to a week or more, depending on the drug. Your physician checks hormone levels with blood tests to determine the next course of action.
Which is the most painful IVF injection?
Progesterone oil injections are often referred to as most painful since they are intramuscular and thick. But pain can be minimized if there is a proper technique and prewarming the vial to injection.
