In Vitro Fertilization Injections Guide

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a common fertility treatment in which eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilized with specially prepared sperm before being implanted in the uterus, which hopefully will develop into a healthy pregnancy.

In this article, we shall be discussing tips for the IVF process with our step-by-step guide to IVF injections, techniques and FAQs for a successful cycle to help you prepare mentally for the treatments, and manage side effects. 

What Medicines Are Injected in IVF?

Before the eggs can be retrieved for use in an IVF cycle, a series of medications and hormone therapies are taken to stimulate the production of as many healthy, viable eggs as possible. 

Some of these medications are taken in the form of an oral tablet or vaginal pessary. Others are administered by injection either by a healthcare provider or at home by the client.

Every IVF case is different, and the medications used will depend on individual needs and the recommendations of a professional healthcare provider. 

However unique the case, a typical round of IVF treatments will involve several forms of medication, which will ideally achieve specific results throughout the process.

IVF Step-by-Step

Delaying Ovulation

During a normal menstrual cycle, a number of tiny follicles form on the outside of an ovary, each containing a single immature egg known as an oocyte. 

Only one of these follicles reaches full maturity, ruptures, and releases the egg inside in a process called ovulation. The remaining follicles stop developing and never reach maturity.

Prior to an IVF cycle, many doctors will use a process known as a downregulation protocol to suppress ovulation. A study on the impact of downregulation on pregnancy after IVF found that downregulation protocol prior to IVF therapy decreased the likelihood of premature ovulation. 

More importantly, it synchronized follicle growth with the development of the endometrium and improved the likelihood of a successful IVF treatment overall.

Some healthcare providers use oral contraceptive pills for downregulation, while others prescribe at-home injections of medication. Sometimes, a provider will use a combination of oral medication and injections. 

Although combining oral and injectable medication has been found to be the most effective approach, the decision on which approach to use depends on the individual patient and their unique physiology.

Stimulating the Ovaries

Once the ideal baseline is achieved, the next stage is stimulating the ovaries using an injectable medication. This series of injections contains hormones called follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones, which increase the number of follicles that are developing eggs.

Having more fully developed follicles means having a larger yield during the egg retrieval process. This allows prospective parents to try again more easily in the event that an IVF round is unsuccessful or they wish to have another child in the future. The unused eggs retrieved during an IVF treatment can be frozen with no ill effects.

Developing Eggs

As follicles get closer to full maturity on the surface of the ovaries, about a day or so before the egg retrieval process, a final hormone injection containing a compound called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is typically given. 

This injection is often referred to as a “trigger shot” and works quickly to finalize the eggs’ development. A study on the impact on IVF outcomes with increased levels of hCG revealed that hCG shots used to stimulate the final maturation of eggs during IVF treatments have had high levels of success.

Preparing the Uterus

Once eggs have been successfully retrieved, they can be fertilized or frozen. Fertilization is done using donated sperm, and the embryo is allowed to mature for five to seven days before being implanted in the uterus. 

In order for a successful pregnancy to occur, the fertilized embryo must adhere to the uterine lining within a relatively short window of time. 

To increase the likelihood of this implantation, an injection called granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) may be given in the days leading up to the procedure. The injections are given as an intrauterine injection or as an injection through the skin.

Research into the impact of G-CSF on implantation during assisted reproduction showed that G-CSF injections thickened the endometrium and improved the likelihood of successful implantation.

How to Administer an Injection at Home

For many, the idea of getting an injection - whether from a medical practitioner or self-administered - is extremely unpleasant. A survey of needle phobia in adults found that nearly two-thirds of adults have some level of needle fear. 

With IVF, while the first couple of self-administered injections can feel stressful, many people find that the process gets easier to manage with each subsequent dose. 

If the administration of your injection becomes too much to bear, it may be easier to have a friend or loved one administer the injection or be with you as you administer it yourself.

The process is the same, no matter who administers the injection. It is important to ensure that the below steps are followed to avoid unnecessary discomfort:

1. Thoroughly wash your hands to prevent contamination and possible infection.
2. Clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol.
3. With the cap removed and the needle pointed upward, gently flick the syringe and depress the plunger until a small amount of liquid emerges from the tip of the needle to eliminate air bubbles.
4. Grab a bit of skin at the injection site and press the needle into it using firm, even pressure. Release the skin once the needle is fully embedded.
5. Depress the plunger until all of the medication has been released from the syringe, then remove the needle and apply pressure to the injection site using gauze or an adhesive bandage.

Some healthcare providers recommend using ice to numb the injection site prior to cleaning with alcohol, which will reduce pain and can take the patient’s mind off the sensation caused by the injection.

IVF Medications FAQs

Do IVF Shots Hurt?

IVF shots m are typically relatively painless. Most, if not all, IVF injections are usually administered using relatively small needles which do not penetrate beyond the layers of the skin. 

If you experience pain following an injection, it can be helpful to gently massage the injection site, or apply ice before and after the medication is delivered.

Do IVF Shots Leave Marks?

IVF injections do not leave a permanent mark on the body. Some people do experience bruising on the skin near injection sites. This can be minimized or eliminated by switching, alternating, or rotating injection sites.

Will I Gain Weight During IVF Injections?

There is no evidence that IVF treatments cause weight gain. A 2023 study into weight gain during IVF treatment found that participants did not have any notable change in body weight throughout a total of more than 500 rounds of IVF injections.

In Conclusion

The various IVF injections serve a variety of purposes throughout the treatment process. Each plays a significant role in the success of any IVF cycle. Most of these shots can be administered at home, either by yourself or with the help of a friend or family member.

If you have further questions about IVF treatments, Ivy Fertility offers a variety of reproductive health services tailored to individual’s needs. Make an appointment at one of our various locations today to learn more.