Understanding Why Injections Are Essential in IVF: A Step-by-Step Guide

Foods to balance Hormones

Authored & Verified by:

Dr. Reubina Singh

MS (OB/GYN), MBBS - Senior Infertility Specialist

People are used to getting pregnant naturally, so they may wonder why so many injections are required for IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization) treatments. Whereas in a normal pregnancy, only one egg is required for fertilization, in IVF, several eggs are desired to maximize the chances of successful fertilization. For now, let’s delve into why these injectables are needed and what each one does during an IVF cycle.

Why Are Injections Required in IVF?

In IVF, the injections are used mainly to stimulate the production of multiple eggs because the success of IVF depends on fertilising numerous eggs and creating viable embryos. In natural human eggs, our bodies release enough hormones to create one or two eggs per cycle, but IVF is externally stimulated for your body to get one (or more) eggs down the pipeline, giving you the potential for higher success rates. Here’s how it works in detail.

Injection Types Involved in IVF Procedure and Its Purpose

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) Injection

Use: FSH injection, the first administered hormone in an IVF cycle, stimulates the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. FSH, meanwhile, is essential because it serves to grow and mature eggs within follicles — the small sacs inside the ovaries.
Types: FSH injections are available mainly in two types: FSH (recombinant) and urinary FSH. In general, due to their higher yield of more mature oocytes, recombinant FSH is the preferred agent in an IVF setting.
Dosage: The amount of FSH administered depends on the age, ovarian reserve, and body weight. Typical doses fall between 150 and 300 international units but can be modified according to individual responses.

Track Progress: Ultrasounds and Adjustments

Typically, after five days of FSH injections, patients have an ultrasound to assess the progress of egg development. This scan measures separate follicle size, informing us how well the eggs are growing.

If the eggs are developing well, the dosage remains the same.
Doctors may adjust the dose as needed or switch to a combination of hormones.

HMG (Human Menopausal Gonadotropin) Injection

Purpose: This is designed to continue to stimulate egg development and is usually given as an HMG injection containing a combination of FSH and another luteinizing hormone (LH). FSH is responsible for the egg production, but LH takes care of egg maturation.
Dosage: As with FSH, HMG is usually administered for three days, and the dose is kept the same – ensuring optimal egg growth and ripening towards the end of the IVF cycle.

Antagonist Injection (Cetrorelix)

Purpose: This is added to the IVF cycle on day six to avoid premature ovulation. If eggs are released from the follicles too early during IVF, it can adversely affect IVF success rate.
Action: The antagonist injection regulates the timing of ovulation, ensuring that eggs are fully developed before they are retrieved for fertilization.

IVF Injections: How They Work Together in Each Stage

Each injection in IVF has its own purpose. During stimulation, FSH and HMG stimulate the ovaries to produce an optimal amount of eggs, while the antagonist injection ensures these eggs are not released too early. This careful orchestration ensures that eggs develop optimally and are available to be fertilized.

How to Minimize the Pain of IVF Injections

1. Follow the Schedule Precisely

Timing is essential in IVF. Each injection is timed for the body’s natural cycle, so strictly following the doctor’s schedule is key to the treatment’s success.

2. Store Side Effects and Notify Your Clinic

Other patients report side effects, such as slight bloating or tenderness. These are common, although rare, severe side effects should be immediately reported to the clinic for guidance.

3. Keep a Record

Some people choose to keep a journal to help them log each injection, including the dosage and the time. And this helps be reminded of doses and makes sure that the treatment adheres properly.

4. Maintaining Hydration and Eating Well

IVF injections can take a toll on the body, so making sure to stay hydrated and keeping up a balanced diet with plenty of nutrients can help provide overall health and support your IVF journey.

5. Ask Questions and Get Support

IVF can be overwhelming, so questions are common. Stay up to date: Talk with IVF support groups or your doctor to keep the information flow going to help motivate you when going through your IVF process.

Frequently Asked Questions About IVF Injections

Are IVF Injections Painful?

Many are concerned about pain from the injections. Although those shots may be painful, most people adapt to the routine after a few doses. Applying ice packs before and after injections can help reduce pain.

Long-Term Side Effects of IVF Injections?

Most are mild and temporary, like bloating, slight bruising where the needle went in, and emotional fluctuations from hormone changes. Long-term side effects are uncommon, but you should always talk to your health care provider about any concerns.

What If a Shot Is Missed?

And if a dose is missed, it’s critical to contact the clinic right away. Most clinics are very clear about what to do if a dose is missed and can in some instances provide solutions to avoid having the treatment interrupted.

What You Should Know About IVF Success and Injections

More injections in an IVF cycle mean higher chances of making good embryos for putting back. The process of IVF treatment involves the development of several eggs at once, after which doctors choose the best quality eggs for fertilization, leading to a better chance of pregnancy.

Essential Information on IVF Injections

So Many Eggs Required in IVF: In natural conception, one egg will do, but in IVF, you need multiple eggs to create good embryos.
The Hormonal Aspect: Coil hormones (injections) are needed to promote egg production, ensure proper maturation, and direct the ovulation time.
Diligent Monitoring: The IVF cycle requires ultrasounds to keep an eye on egg development and adjust medication.

Whether your IVF injections look complex at first, the key is to know why you are receiving them. Keep in mind that each injection is customized for your body to maximize your odds of successful fertilization and implantation.