A Complete Guide on IVF Injections

If you’re planning to get IVF treatment, then you might be searching for all the information you can get about it. There are many important factors that are crucial in the process of IVF. One of these is IVF injections. Many people think that injecting needles in your abdomen area is painful. However, the reality is different. Today, we are going to give a complete guide on the injections in IVF treatment. Additionally, this guide will tell you why and how many injections are required for the treatment.

Why are injections used in IVF treatment?

IVF injections are used to stimulate the ovaries. It helps to produce multiple mature eggs in a single cycle. Additionally, it helps to prevent the development of your natural menstrual cycle. It also helps to control the ovulation in an IVF cycle. These are also called IVF hormone injections since these shots are heavy on hormones.

Additionally, these injections may contain LH and FSH. Luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone can help to stimulate the ovary that can develop mature follicles. These follicles further grow into mature eggs after the retrieval. In some cases, progesterone supplements are also given. This is specially for those women who do not develop adequate amounts of progesterone during ovarian stimulation. Timing plays an essential role in IVF treatment. Thus, IVF shots offer a necessary control over the egg retrieval and ovulation for fertilisation.

How many shots are required for IVF?

The number of injections required in the IVF cycle can vary from person to person. On an average, a woman might receive 1-2 shots per day during every IVF cycle. The total number of injections can reach on an average of 90 injections. This can go for about 8-14 days depending on the women’s health and condition.

The IVF shots are either administered by two ways:

• Intramuscular- injected directly into the muscle.

• Subcutaneous- injected directly into the fat under the skin.

Is IVF Injections Painful?

Generally, In vitro fertilization (IVF) injections are not painful. Many women can tolerate the pain level. However, the pain level and tolerating nature varies from person to person. Intramuscular injections deliver the medication into a muscle directly. Whereas the Subcutaneous injections are usually given on the front of the thigh or belly area. The patient can feel a quick tingling sensation that is short-lived.

How to reduce discomfort after getting IVF injection?

Here are some simple tips that can help you to minimize the discomfort of IVF shots.

• You can use ice to numb the injection area.
• Use a topical anesthetic before the injection to reduce discomfort.
• Follow a proper guide to manually use an IVF injection.
• You can also use a heating pad. Applying it for 5-10 minutes can give you relief.
• Spend time with your loved ones or do something you love. It can distract you from the pain you’re experiencing from the injection.

Process for IVF Injections

IVF involvement has multiple steps and injections play an important role. These are used for many purposes that includes the following:

• Stimulation of Ovaries

At the beginning of the IVF cycle, the procedure starts with injections that stimulate the ovaries. Generally, these are daily shots that trigger the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Usually, a woman develops one egg every month. However, IVF treatment aims for more to increase the success rates.

• Trigger shot

Once the eggs are ready, a final injection is given, known as “trigger shot.” This helps the egg to mature that starts the process of ovulation. This is very important at the time of egg retrieval.

• Support for Luteal Phase

You might get more injections to help support the Luteal Phase. This is done after the embryos are transferred and eggs are retrieved. Luteal Phase is the stage of the menstrual cycle which starts after ovulation. It continues until the onset of periods and also continues into pregnancy.

Types of IVF Injections

IVF shots play a crucial role in IVF treatment. Every injection has a different purpose to support embryonic development and successful fertilization. Here is a table to describe the main types of injections that are used in the process:

IVF Injections Cost

The cost can vary depending on the clinic and where you are located. It’s hard to give the exact cost for IVF injections. The cost will vary depending on your health history. Insurance coverage and treatment centers also play a crucial role in deciding the cost. It’s best to talk with your healthcare provider and plan your treatment accordingly.

Advantages and Disadvantages of IVF Injection

IVF (In vitro fertilization) injections have both benefits and side effects. Knowing these are important if you’re planning to get your IVF treatment done.

IVF Injections Benefit

Let’s check out the benefit these injections has to offer:

• Controls Ovulation: IVF shots help to control the timing of ovulation. It helps to suppress the body’s reproductive hormones.
• Egg Production: In vitro fertilization injections help to stimulate the ovaries to develop multiple eggs at once. Thus, it increases the chance of implantation and fertilization.
• Personalised treatment: One major advantage of IVF shots is that they can be personalized. Your doctor can plan your treatment as per your health history and individual needs.

IVF Injection Side Effects

The common side effects of these injections are as follows:

• Headache and Nausea
• Weight gain and abdominal bloating
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
• Soreness and bruising on the injection area.
• Gastrointestinal changes

Final Line

IVF injections have a crucial role in the success of IVF treatments. These help to stimulate the ovaries, support the early stages of pregnancy, and also prepare a women’s body for embryo implantation. If you’re also considering getting your IVF treatment done, some things are important to know. It’s always important to consult with your doctor and plan everything accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What injection is given for IVF?

Lupron is the first medication that doctors prescribe. It is generally given on about day 21 of women’s hormonal cycle.

• How many injections do you need for IVF?

The patient may receive 20-40 injections. However, in extensive stimulation cases, 90 injections might be used throughout the treatment.

• Can an IVF injection get you pregnant?

Yes, IVF injections can increase the chances of getting pregnant. However, the success rate varies from person to person.

• What are the most common IVF injections?

FSH, hCG, Estrogen (Estrace), Leuprolide Acetate, and Valium.