How Gonadotropin Injections Work in IVF
While the medication regimen for gonadotropin injections in IVF can seem complicated at first, most patients find it straightforward once they understand the process and its purpose.
These injectable hormones play a vital role in stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs during an IVF cycle, helping improve your chances of success.
Injection Technique
Before your first treatment cycle, you and your partner will receive detailed instructions on how to administer both intramuscular and subcutaneous injections.
Our Nurse Coordinator can supervise your first injection and answer any questions you may have. Many clinics also provide instructional videos or demonstrations to help you feel confident with the process.
Baseline Ultrasound and Cycle Start
Gonadotropin injections typically begin two to three days after your period starts. On the first day of your menstrual cycle, contact your fertility clinic to schedule a baseline ultrasound.
This initial scan checks for ovarian cysts or other conditions that could affect stimulation. If cysts are detected, your cycle may be delayed to ensure the best possible response to treatment.
The baseline ultrasound is performed with a vaginal probe, a safe and routine part of fertility monitoring that helps assess ovarian health and readiness for stimulation.
Injections for Egg Development
After your baseline scan, you’ll be instructed when to start your injections. The dosage, start date, and duration of gonadotropin therapy are personalized for each patient.
Typically, injections are given daily for three to five days before your next ultrasound and blood test.
These follow-up visits help your care team monitor follicle growth and hormone levels—especially estradiol, which reflects how your ovaries are responding. Adjustments to your dosage may be made to optimize egg development and reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation.
Egg Release
As your follicles mature, additional doses of FSH-based gonadotropins may be prescribed for several more days.
When the ultrasound and hormone tests show that your eggs are ready, you’ll receive a single human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection, often called the “trigger shot.”
The hCG mimics your body’s natural LH surge, signaling the ovaries to release mature eggs.
Egg retrieval is usually scheduled about 36 hours after the hCG injection. During this time, it’s important to avoid intercourse to prevent premature ovulation.
Progesterone Supplementation
Following egg retrieval and insemination, many patients are prescribed progesterone supplementation to help prepare the uterine lining for embryo implantation. Progesterone may be given as injections, vaginal suppositories, creams, or oral tablets.
Because progesterone can delay menstruation, it’s important to confirm pregnancy with a blood test before discontinuing use if your period is late.
Gonadotropin Injections with IVF: Bottom line
Gonadotropin injections for IVF are a core part of ovarian stimulation and are carefully tailored to your body’s unique needs.
With proper instruction and close monitoring from your fertility team, the process becomes manageable and can significantly increase your chances of a successful IVF cycle.
