Everything you wanted to know about IVF shots – Oasis Fertility

Author : Dr. D. Maheswari Consultant & Fertility Specialist

Parenthood is an extraordinary experience but for some couples, it can be a difficult journey and may need IVF to achieve their parenthood dream. IVF is one of the advanced fertility treatments that helps fertility-challenged couples overcome infertility and attain parenthood. However, not many are aware of the IVF process or the injections used in the IVF treatment. Many are afraid of IVF injections and avoid IVF due to fear and misconceptions. But it is important for women who opt for IVF to know in detail about the types of IVF shots and the entire treatment journey before they take up IVF.

In IVF, egg and sperms are allowed to fertilize outside the woman’s body. The embryo formed after fertilization is placed in the woman’s uterus for further growth and development.

What are IVF shots?

IVF shots are basically hormones that are given for different purposes during an IVF treatment. Hormones like FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG), Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH), etc. are given.

What is the IVF shot location?

The IVF shot location can be subcutaneous or intramuscular. Subcutaneous injections are given in the abdomen or thigh while intramuscular injections are directly delivered to the muscle.

Different types of IVF injections are given:

1. To stimulate women’s ovaries to produce many eggs

2. To prevent the release of egg

3. To stimulate oocyte maturity

4. To prepare the uterus for embryo transfer

How many IVF injections are given in IVF?

The number of IVF injections varies from patient to patient as one size doesn’t fit all. Depending on the patient’s response, health condition, and other factors, the number and dosage of IVF shots vary. Usually, IVF shots are given for a period of 10 days

What are the IVF shots for pregnancy?

· Human Menopausal Gonadotropins (HMG)

· GnRH agonist

· GnRH antagonist

· Highly purified HCG

· Recombinant HCG (ovitrelle)

· Highly purified FSH

· Recombinant FSH

· Recombinant LH

What to expect from IVF shots for pregnancy?

IVF can be a roller coaster ride with anxiety, excitement, and disappointment. One needs to be mentally prepared and have a calm attitude while undergoing IVF. IVF injections can have an impact on one’s weight and appetite also. Some women may develop constipation due to hormonal injections. Also, some may develop OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome) which is an extreme reaction to hormone injections that results in swelling of the ovaries.

 

Side effects of IVF may vary from person to person. Some of the common side effects are:

· Mood swings

· Headaches

· Nausea

· Abdominal pain

· Hot flashes

· Skin redness

If the above symptoms persist for a longer time, it is important to seek medical assistance.

Can you do IVF without injections?

The mention of IVF itself creates panic among women due to the fear of injection and the emotional, physical, and psychological trauma associated with it. The use of too many injections can be harmful to women with PCOS, cancer, and other health conditions. CAPA IVM (Capacitation Invitro Maturation) an advanced fertility treatment procedure is a safer alternative for women with oocyte maturation problems, thrombophilia, PCOS, cancer, and resistant ovary syndrome. Only 2 to 3 injections are used in CAPA IVM because instead of mature eggs, immature eggs are collected from the women. These immature eggs undergo a 2-step maturation process in the lab after which the process of fertilization is carried out in the lab. This process is almost drug-free and a much safer treatment experience for women who are afraid of injections and prefer to have a cost-effective and less invasive procedure. There is no risk of OHSS in the case of CAPA IVM.

Is egg retrieval painful?

Pain is a subjective experience and it could differ from person to person. Eggs are retrieved under the influence of anesthesia resulting in very minimal discomfort. Some women may

develop cramps similar to the ones they experience during menses. If you develop any other complications, contact the fertility specialist immediately.

How do IVF injections work?

Step 1: Fertility Evaluation – You will have a consultation with the fertility specialist that would include a fertility evaluation of both you and your partner. It could be blood tests, ultrasound scans, semen analysis, etc.

Step 2: Personalized treatment – During the Follow-up consultation, the fertility specialist will devise an exclusive treatment protocol for you based on your health condition, age, lifestyle, etc., and explain the entire treatment process.

Step 3: Ovarian Stimulation – You will receive IVF injections on day 2 of periods to stimulate the ovaries for egg production.

Step 4: Monitoring – To check whether you are on track in your IVF journey, regular ultrasound scans and blood tests will be done. This will help in determining the right time to collect the eggs.

Step 5: Trigger shot – You will receive an injection to trigger the maturity of eggs.

Step 6: Egg Retrieval – You will be given anesthesia and eggs will be collected using ultrasound guidance.

Step 7: In Vitro Fertilization – The eggs are allowed to fuse with the sperms from the male partner resulting in the formation of the embryo.

Step 8: Embryo Transfer–The best quality embryo is transferred to the woman’s uterus.

Step 9: Pregnancy Test–You need to do a pregnancy test 2 weeks after embryo transfer.

Some important IVF FAQs

1. Is IVF treatment the same for all?

No. IVF treatment, medications, and dosage will vary from person to person based on age, health, lifestyle, etc.

2. Is it possible to select gender in IVF?

Gender selection is illegal in India and is prohibited.

3. What is frozen embryo transfer?

In an IVF treatment, if the embryos are frozen and transferred into the woman’s uterus at a later date, it is said to be a frozen embryo transfer.

4. What is single embryo transfer in IVF?

In IVF, by the use of advanced technology, only one embryo is chosen and transferred to the woman’s uterus instead of transferring multiple embryos. Single embryo transfer reduces the risk of miscarriage and other complications.