Guide to IVF Shots

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is to help couples or individuals to have children. Viable eggs are retrieved from a patient’s ovaries, then fertilized in a controlled lab setting using prepared sperm, and finally a viable embryo is inserted into the uterus. 

The purpose of this article is to assist you to prepare mentally for IVF, manage any side effects, as well offer useful tips, step-by-step guidance on techniques, including how to prepare and administer IVF injections.  

What Medicines Are Injected in IVF?

At the beginning of the IVF treatment, a series of hormone therapy and medications are administered to enable the development and maturation of as many viable healthy eggs as possible for retrieval. 

The medications given are either vaginal pessaries, or oral tablets and the hormone therapy is administered as injections. They are usually tailored to each individual case.

IVF Step-by-Step

IVF has several stages. The process begins with delaying ovulation, then ovarian stimulation, followed by retrieving and fertilizing the eggs, while preparing the uterus for implantation. Below is a breakdown on the process:

Ovulation Delay

Normally, in a menstrual cycle, many immature eggs called oocytes begin developing, but only one reaches full maturity and gets released during ovulation. When that egg is released, the remaining oocytes stop developing.

For IVF cycles to succeed, an odd but crucial step of suppressing ovulation helps to decrease the chances of premature ovulation, in a process called a downregulation protocol at the same time syncronize the growth of the follicles with the development of the endometrium. 

Some practitioners use oral contraceptive pills, while others prescribe injections. Still others prescribe a regimen that combines the two, but this is usually determined on a case by case basis.

Stimulating the Ovaries

Once syncronization is achieved, ovarian stimulation begins using a series of injectable medications which contain follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones. 

This regimen is what increases the number of developing follicles, the goal being to have a big number of fully developed follicles by the time of egg retrieval. 

More eggs also mean that there is back up if a round of IVF is unsuccessful, or if IVF treatment will be used for future conceptions. Unused eggs are typically frozen.  

Developing Eggs

This stage requires precise timing, therefore a day or two before egg retrieval, a final hormonal injection known as a ‘trigger shot’ is administered, which contains human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). It accelerates and finalizes the development of the eggs. It is this final injection that is the key to the high success rate of egg retrieval in IVF treatments.  

Fertilization 

The successfully retrieved eggs are fertilized in a controlled lab setting, using specially prepared sperm. The newly formed embryo is then left to mature independently for about five to seven days then it is implanted into the uterus. 

Uterus Preparation

To increase the chances of a successful implantation, an injection containing granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is administered to thicken the endometrium a day before implantation. This injection is administered in two ways, as an intrauterine injection, or through the skin. 

How to Administer an Injection at Home

IVF injections can be administered at home. At the beginning, it may be both uncomfortable and a bit stressful, but with each dose, it becomes more manageable. 

If administering your own injections is too much to handle, have someone close to you do it for you, or at least be present for emotional support as you administer it yourself.

To avoid unnecessary discomfort or infection, follow the guidelines below: 

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before you begin to prevent contamination or possible infection.
2. Clean the injection site carefully with some rubbing alcohol.
3. Take your needle and remove the cap. To eliminate air bubbles, which can be quite uncomfortable, point the needle upward, flick the syringe gently, and press the plunger slowly to remove a small amount of liquid from the tip of the needle.
4. Now pinch a portion of skin at the injection site gently and press the needle into it using even but firm pressure, releasing the skin once the needle is fully embedded.
5. Next, depress the plunger using even pressure until all of the medication is released from the syringe. 
6. Remove the needle and apply pressure to the injection site using an adhesive bandage or some gauze.

Some healthcare providers recommend using an ice cube to numb the injection site before cleaning it with alcohol, and again after administering the injection, to ideally reduce the pain and take your mind off the discomfort caused by the injection.

IVF Medications FAQs

Do IVF Shots Leave Marks?

IVF injections do not usually leave permanent marks. However some people experience mild bruising on the skin around the injection site. Try rotating, switching, or alternating injection sites to minimize excessive discomfort or bruising.

Do IVF Shots Hurt?

IVF shots are relatively painless, as well, the needles used are relatively small and do not penetrate beyond the skin’s layers. If you do feel pain after an injection, just massage the site gently, or use ice. 

Will I Add Weight During IVF Injections?

IVF treatments have not been linked to any weight gain. In fact, a study found that throughout more than 500 rounds of IVF injections, none of the participants had any notable changes in weight.

In Conclusion

IVF injections all play a vital role in the success of a treatment cycle. They are not difficult to administer and thus can be administered at home.

However, if you find that you would like to know more about IVF treatments, or about becoming pregnant contact Reproductive Partners Medical Group. Our  reproductive health services are customized to our patients’ needs.