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IVF injections: what each one is for
IVF injections fall into four groups: injections that help several eggs grow, injections that stop early ovulation, a trigger injection that ripens the eggs, and hormone support after the embryo transfer. Most are small injections under the skin of the tummy that many women learn to give themselves. The exact medicines and doses are set for each woman by her doctor.
Watch the videos
In these videos our fertility specialist shows the injections used in an IVF cycle; the first video is in Hindi. The guide below explains the same groups in plain words.
IVF injection names, by group
- Egg-growth injections (gonadotropins): FSH, recombinant or urine-derived, and HMG. They are given daily for about ten to twelve days so that several eggs grow at once.
- Injections that stop early ovulation: GnRH antagonists such as cetrorelix or ganirelix, started partway through the injections, or a GnRH agonist in some plans. They stop the eggs from being released before the egg collection.
- The trigger injection: hCG, or a GnRH agonist, given once at a set time to complete the ripening of the eggs. The egg collection is planned about a day and a half later.
- Support after the transfer: progesterone, as injections or as vaginal medicine, to support the womb lining.
Where are IVF injections given?
Most are given just under the skin (subcutaneous), usually in the lower tummy, with a fine needle or a pen. Some medicines, such as certain progesterone and HMG preparations, are given into the muscle. The nurse shows you how, and many couples manage the daily injections at home.
The IVF injection schedule
- The egg-growth injections start early in the cycle and are taken at about the same time every day.
- Scans and sometimes blood tests every few days show how the eggs are growing, and the dose may be adjusted.
- In many plans, a second injection (an antagonist) joins the daily injections after a few days, when the scans show the eggs are growing well.
- The trigger is given at the exact time you are told, usually at night, and the egg collection follows about a day and a half later.
Side effects to know about
Bruising or soreness where the needle goes in, bloating and mood changes are common and settle. Rarely, the ovaries over-respond (OHSS): seek help at once for a swollen, tight belly, breathlessness, vomiting or passing very little urine.
Storing your injections
- Read the pack: some injections must be kept in the fridge, others at room temperature. Never freeze them.
- When travelling to the clinic, carry fridge medicines in a small cool bag, without letting them touch ice directly.
- Keep them away from children and from direct sun.
Giving an injection under the skin
- Clean your hands, then match the medicine and the time against your chart.
- Prepare the pen or syringe as you were shown at the clinic.
- Clean a spot on the lower abdomen, a little away from the navel.
- Pinch the skin gently, insert the needle, press slowly, and wait a few seconds before removing it. Change the spot each day.
- Put the used needle in a hard container, never in the household bin.
The nurse will show you each step before you start, and you can ask for a check at your next visit.
When the response is lower or higher than expected
The scans show how the follicles are growing. If they grow slowly, the plan may be adjusted. If a large number grow fast, the doctor may change the plan to lower the risk of over-stimulation, for example by freezing the embryos and planning the transfer for another month. These changes are normal parts of IVF, not a sign that something has gone wrong.
Looking after yourself during the injections
You can usually carry on with work and normal life. Gentle walking is fine, but avoid heavy exercise and sudden twisting movements once the ovaries are enlarged. Drink enough fluids, and rest when you feel tired. Keep every scan appointment, because the scans guide each dose.
Please do not buy or take these injections on your own: the medicine, the dose and the timing are decided for each cycle after the scans. The whole cycle is explained on our IVF page.
Questions about IVF injections
How many days of injections are needed in IVF?
The egg-growth injections are usually given for about ten to twelve days, followed by one trigger injection. The exact number depends on how the eggs grow on the scans.
Can I give the IVF injections myself?
Many women do, after the nurse shows them how. Most are small injections under the skin of the tummy, often with a pen device.
Do IVF injections hurt?
Most women feel only a brief sting. Bruising or soreness where the needle goes in is common and settles on its own.
Why is a second injection added partway through?
It stops the eggs from being released too early, so that they can be collected at the planned time.
What time should I take the trigger injection?
Exactly at the time your clinic gives you, because the egg collection is timed from it, about a day and a half later.
Can IVF injections cause problems?
Mild bloating and mood changes are common. Rarely the ovaries over-respond (OHSS): seek help at once for a swollen, tight belly, breathlessness or passing very little urine.
Do IVF injections need to be kept in the fridge?
Some do and some do not. Follow the storage instructions on each pack, and never freeze them.
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What you read here explains fertility care in general terms and cannot replace a consultation. Decisions about your own care should be made with a doctor who knows your history and has seen you. We do not carry out or offer sex determination of any kind, which is prohibited by law in India under the PCPNDT Act.