Overview
IVF is one of the greatest advances in medicine. It is now practiced all around the world. In Vitro Fertilization(IVF) is a procedure used to cure infertility and aids in the conception of a baby. During this procedure, you will be given some injections that stimulate the ovaries, aid in the development of eggs, and initiate the process of ovulation.
A lot of you might be worried and confused about how many injections you will get in the entire treatment. So keep reading the blog to know more about IVF injections.
How many injections are needed for IVF treatment?
Medication is frequently injected subcutaneously (into the fat immediately beneath the skin) or intramuscularly (directly into the muscle).
Depending on the therapy and cycle, a patient may get up to 90 shots every cycle, with 1–2 injections per day for 8–10 days as recommended by the doctor. Some of these drugs are gonadotropins, which stimulate the ovaries to produce mature follicles and eggs.
Read Also – Role of Lonopin Injection in IVF
What is the IVF protocol?
For the most part, the IVF method is based on the hormone changes during pregnancy and delivery. Medications or careful attention are required at every step of IVF. Steps in IVF treatment include:
- Ovary stimulation: Treatment with hormones is virtually daily for 8-14 days to stimulate the ovaries into producing more follicles. Fallopian-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are often used. The follicles grow and produce more eggs, increasing the likelihood of a successful IVF cycle.
- Retrieval of Eggs: Even though it is a minor surgical step in the IVF process, the egg retrieval technique necessitates anaesthesia. A short hollow needle is introduced via the vaginal opening about 36 hours after hCG treatment to retrieve mature eggs from the ovaries.
- Sperm retrieval: In most cases, sperm retrieval is accomplished with a simple ejaculation. Surgical methods such as TESA, PESA, and micro TESE may be used to extract sperm from the testis and epididymis in circumstances when sperm cannot be collected naturally.
- Fertilization and embryo development: Laboratory fertilization and embryo development occur after the sperm and eggs have been collected.
- Embryo transfer: Before transferring embryos, the uterus must be prepared for pregnancy by administering essential hormone drugs. It is necessary to put a catheter into the uterus through the vagina for embryo transfer.
Read Also – What is the Difference Between Internal (In Vivo) and External Fertilization (In Vitro)?
What are the IVF Injections during Ovary stimulation?
In the initial stage of IVF, injections are typically used. Hormones produced naturally are given to IVF women at slightly larger doses (supraphysiological level). These hormones are given daily for 8-12 days to develop 8-12 healthy (18-22 mm) follicles. Hormones may be given twice daily.
The following IVF drugs are provided as injections to stimulate the ovaries:
- Gonadotropins: Gonadotropins are hormones that assist a single follicle in expanding and delivering a mature egg into the fallopian tube for fertilization. The role of gonadotropin medications is the same in the natural cycle.
- Estrogen: Estrogen increases endometrial development and thickness, which is required to create a fertile uterus. Estrogen medicines are mainly provided during frozen or donated embryo transfers. Evopad, Meriestra, and Progynova are all administered orally.
- Progesterone: Progesterone increases endometrial receptivity, allowing embryos to implant. The ovary’s corpus luteum cells usually create this hormone following ovulation. However, Utrogestan, Progeffik, Crinone, and Prolutex may be administered via injection or vaginal ova for improved IVF outcomes.
Are IVF injections painful?
Transdermal patches, subcutaneous injections, oral tablets, and gels are all used during or after ovarian stimulation. Injections are usually given in the arms, thighs, or belly. Again, this depends on the injection. The injections are safe and typically not unpleasant.
Self-administered acceptable needled devices provide no or minor discomfort. A family member or a clinician/nurse may help administer the hormone injections.
How are the IVF Injections Scheduled?
Injections of gonadotropins stimulate the ovaries during IVF treatment. Recent research shows that using stimulation injections in the morning or evening has little effect on the delivery rate.
A clinical investigation found a difference in peak estradiol or progesterone levels, endometrial thickness, mature oocyte count, fertilization stage, or blastocysts whether gonadotropins were given in the AM (morning) or PM (evening) groups. The number of gonadotropins utilized in the medication did not change.
It takes 8–14 days for eggs to develop and retrieved after fertility injections. To improve egg quality, you must maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid strenuous activity after IVF injection.
What can I expect from IVF injections?
IVF shots for pregnancy can boost ovulation. From the start of the treatment cycle, these drugs assist your doctor manage ovulation. The doctor will monitor the oocytes’ development and estradiol levels during ovulation using ultrasound and blood tests. This will aid the doctor in adjusting the dose as needed. During this technique, you might see the following:
- Changes in body and increase in appetite: Hormonal injections might change your body’s weight and BMR. You may also feel more hungry or satiated. This might be linked to the treatment’s drugs. If you’re gaining weight rapidly, visit a doctor.
- Emotional and distracting changes in behavior: Hormonal injections might cause an emotional outburst. Some parents fear IVF therapy. They may be emotional and inattentive.
- Gastrointestinal (GI) related side effects: Hormonal injections can cause constipation and diarrhea. You should eat a balanced diet with lots of fiber and water.
Conclusion
The agony of each IVF injection may be frightening. However, IVF hormonal injections are not unpleasant. These are self-administered subcutaneous injections with little dermal piercing.
You can contact your doctor to know more about the timetable, dosage, and how to proceed with the IVF cycle.
FAQ
1. How many days take lonopin 60 injection after IVF treatment
A fertility doctor may recommend that you take Lonopin injection for 5 months if you have a history of multiple miscarriages, IVF failures, or recurrent fetal death.
2. When to stop Lonopin injections during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, Lonopin 40mg Injection is generally considered to be safe. The doctor may advise you to continue it even if you notice any symptoms, so you must do so.
3. Where are IVF injections given?
IVF injections are typically given in the belly or front of the thigh, similar to insulin injections.