Several medications can be used during a cycle of IVF. Some are taken orally, while others are injected, absorbed through your skin or placed in your vagina. Your healthcare provider will outline the exact dosage and timing depending on your treatment plan.
During the ovarian stimulation phase, you can expect to be given injectable hormones:
- Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH): These hormones work to stimulate your ovaries to produce eggs. You may be given one or a combination of both during your treatment. This is done for approximately right to 14 days.
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG): Usually given as one final shot to trigger your eggs to mature and set ovulation in motion.
- Leuprolide acetate: A type of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist (initiates a response) that’s given as an injection. It can help control the stimulation process or be used as a trigger shot.
You may be prescribed birth control pills or injections before starting IVF. This provides a level of control over your cycle and allows all of your eggs to start simultaneously. Most people are given estrogen supplements to take before and after embryo transfer. This hormone helps thicken the lining of their uterus. Progesterone is also added to improve the chances of an embryo implanting and growing into a successful pregnancy. Most continue this throughout their first trimester. These medications are either oral, injectable, transdermal or vaginal.
