
Patients undergoing fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and ovulation induction are typically prescribed injectable fertility medication that must be self-administered at home at various intervals between office visits.
What is an injectable fertility medication?
Injectable FSH hormone products are often referred to as injectable gonadotropins or “injectables”. Fertility patients with PCOS have usually tried treatment with oral medications as a first-line therapy, and if that is not successful, moving on to injections is an option
Should women undergoing infertility treatment have injections?
Patients undergoing fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and ovulation induction are typically prescribed injectable fertility medication that must be self-administered at home at various intervals between office visits. These medications serve a variety of purposes including stimulating a woman’s reproductive system …
How do injectable hormones work in IVF?
Human chorionic gonadotropin(hCG), such as Novarel, Ovidrel, Pregnyl, and Profasi. This medication is usually used along with other fertility drugs to …
Where can I get fertility injections?
· Similar to an Ovulation Induction IUI cycle, a superovulation IUI cycle uses injectable medications called gonadatropins to stimulate the growth of 2-4 eggs. In some cycles, patients will start with the oral medication Clomid and move to injectable medication if egg growth is not occurring as anticipated.

What are injectables for fertility?
Injected Hormones Human chorionic gonadotropin(hCG), such as Novarel, Ovidrel, Pregnyl, and Profasi. This medication is usually used along with other fertility drugs to trigger your ovaries to release an egg. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), such as Bravelle, Fertinex, Follistim, and Gonal-F.
What injectables are used for IVF?
There are several name brands of injectable FSH product available including Gonal-F, Follistim, Bravelle, Menopur and Repronex. These drugs can be given as subcutaneous injections or as intramuscular injections. We use them sub-Q because the women prefer it.
What are the 3 main types of fertility treatments?
There are 3 main types of fertility treatment:medicines.surgical procedures.assisted conception – including intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilisation (IVF)
How are fertility injections given?
Subcutaneous Injections Like insulin injections, they are typically given in the front of the thigh or into the belly. You won't have to draw the medicine out of a vial and measure it yourself -- you'll receive an injection pen, which makes it easy to dial in your dose and receive the correct amount of medication.
Do injectables improve egg quality?
Hormone injections are typically given to women who have failed to become pregnant after being prescribed milder clomiphene fertility pills but before they are admitted for full IVF treatment. The injections stimulate the ovaries to overproduce eggs, and so increase a woman's chances of pregnancy.
How many injections do you need for IVF?
Depending on the course of specific treatment and cycle, a patient may receive up to 90 shots per cycle with a frequency of 1–2 injections per day.
What is the most successful fertility treatment?
Generally speaking, IVF is the most powerful and successful treatment for all forms of infertility, including age-related infertility and unexplained infertility.
What is the success rate of fertility injections?
Overall, the success rate of fertility treatment is about 50%. That means about half of all couples who seek treatment end up pregnant.
What is the best fertility drug to get pregnant?
Clomiphene (Clomid): This drug can trigger ovulation. Many doctors recommend it as the first treatment option for a woman with ovulation problems.
Do fertility injections hurt?
Are IVF Injections Painful? IVF injections are a critical piece in the IVF process. These injections help stimulate your ovaries to produce mature eggs that are then harvested and fertilized with sperm. In the majority of circumstances, IVF injections don't involve much pain.
Where do you inject fertility shots?
Choose Your Injection Site: It is most effective to go where there is fatty tissue and less sensitivity - we recommend the stomach (around or just below the belly button but more than one inch from the belly button) or the top of the thighs. Never inject the same spot more than once to prevent skin irritation.
Which injection is used for egg release?
Injections of gonadotropins are started early in the menstrual cycle to cause multiple eggs to grow to a mature size. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), another injectable medication, is then used to trigger the release of the eggs when they are mature.
What is an injectable fertility treatment?
What are injectables for fertility treatments? Injectable FSH hormone products are often referred to as injectable gonadotropins or “injectables”. Fertility patients with PCOS have usually tried treatment with oral medications as a first-line therapy, and if that is not successful, moving on to injections is an option.
What are injectables called?
US brand names for injectables include Follistim, Gonal-F, Repronex, Bravelle, and Menopur
Why are injectables less common in PCOs?
However, because of the high risk for multiple births, particularly the risk of triplets and higher, injectables for PCOS is being used less often. When injctables are used to stimulate ovulation in women with polycystic ovaries it is often very difficult to get only 1 or 2 follicles to develop. Commonly there are several follicles at or ...
Why do you use FSH for ovulation?
If the injectable FSH drugs are used for ovulation induction they should be used cautiously and in the lowest possible dose by an experienced specialist to minimize the number of mature follicles that develop . This strategy lowers the risk for twins, triplets, and higher order pregnancies.
How much does a gonadotropin cost?
Medication Costs. These drugs are expensive. In the United States injectable gonadotropins cost about $45-80 per 75 units. The daily dose ranges from about 50 units to 375 units or more – for 7-14 days.
How many triplets are implanted?
Some studies show 70% singles, 20% twins, 7% triplets, 3% quadruplets and higher. In rare cases, more than 5 fetuses have implanted (for example, Jon and Kate plus 8)
Does insurance cover ovulation induction?
Some health insurance plans will pay for the cost of ovulation induction with injectables including medications, monitoring and insemination. Other health insurance plans will pay for some (or none) of the costs associated with this treatment.
How to get subcutaneous injections?
For subcutaneous injections, pinch about an inch of the skin using your thumb and fingers. This will pull a bit of soft, fatty tissue (where the injection should go) away from the muscle.
What is a document linked to IVF?
The documents linked contain visual timelines related to different types of IVF cycles. These can help patients more clearly understand the timing of office visits, injections, monitoring, egg retrievals, and embryo transfers. They are in PDF format and may be downloaded or printed for easy reference.
How to get rid of bubbles in a syringe?
Sterile bandages. Draw the prescribed dose of medication into the syringe or ensure the settings on the injection pen will allow for delivery of the appropriate dose. Holding the needle upward, gently push the syringe until a small droplet forms at the tip of the needle. This will remove air bubbles from the syringe.
How to get rid of fatty tissue from muscle injection?
Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and allow a few moments for the skin to dry. For subcutaneous injections, pinch about an inch of skin using your thumb and fingers. This will pull a bit of soft, fatty tissue (where the injection should go) away from the muscle.
Where to dispose of a needle?
Dispose of the needle in the safety container, and ensure any remaining medication is safely stored and refrigerated if necessary.
Do fertility injections have coupons?
Additionally, there are often coupons and discounts available for fertility injections. Patients may also wish to explore self-pay options depending on what is covered in their insurance plan.
Can I take IVF at home?
Patients undergoing fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and ovulation induction are typically prescribed injectable fertility medication that must be self-administered at home at various intervals between office visits. These medications serve a variety of purposes including stimulating ...
What is IVF treatment?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a treatment for infertility or genetic problems. If IVF is performed to treat infertility, you and your partner might be able to try less-invasive treatment options before attempting IVF, including fertility drugs to increase production of eggs or intrauterine insemination — a procedure in which sperm are placed directly in the uterus near the time of ovulation.
What is the purpose of in vitro fertilization?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex series of procedures used to help with fertility or prevent genetic problems and assist with the conception of a child.
How long does it take to get an IVF?
One cycle of IVF can take about two to three weeks. More than one cycle may be needed.
How are eggs removed during in vitro fertilization?
During in vitro fertilization, eggs are removed from mature follicles within an ovary (A). An egg is fertilized by injecting a single sperm into the egg or mixing the egg with sperm in a petri dish (B). The fertilized egg (embryo) is transferred into the uterus (C).
What are some examples of IVF?
For example, IVF may be an option if you or your partner has: Fallopian tube damage or blockage. Fallopian tube damage or blockage makes it difficult for an egg to be fertilized or for an embryo to travel to the uterus. Ovulation disorders.
How many cells are in an embryo after fertilization?
Three days after fertilization, a normally developing embryo will contain about six to 10 cells. By the fifth or sixth day, the fertilized egg is known as a blastocyst — a rapidly dividing ball of cells. The inner group of cells will become the embryo. The outer group will become the cells that nourish and protect it.
What causes an egg to not be fertilized?
Fallopian tube damage or blockage. Fallopian tube damage or blockage makes it difficult for an egg to be fertilized or for an embryo to travel to the uterus. Ovulation disorders. If ovulation is infrequent or absent, fewer eggs are available for fertilization.
How do fertility drugs help women?
These meds, called fertility drugs, work by causing your body to release hormones that trigger or regulate ovulation -- the release of an egg from your ovary.
Where do you get a syringe injection?
Some are given beneath the skin, while others are injected into the muscle. You can get the injections on your stomach, upper arm, upper thigh, or buttocks.
What hormones are used to trigger ovulation?
Injected Hormones. If Clomid on its own doesn't work, your doctor may recommend hormones to trigger ovulation. Some of the types are: Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), such as Novarel, Ovidrel, Pregnyl, and Profasi. This medication is usually used along with other fertility drugs to trigger your ovaries to release an egg.
What are the side effects of a syringe?
Side effects: Most are mild and include problems like tenderness, infection, and blood blisters, swelling, or bruising at the injection site. There's also a risk of a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation, which makes your ovaries grow and become tender. The drugs also raise your chances of multiple births.
Can you use fertility pills to get pregnant?
Even if you already use another method to boost your chances of getting pregnant, such as in vitro fertilization, fertility drugs are still an important part of treatment. There are lots of these drugs, but here are the basics on the ones that are most commonly prescribed.
What is the best fertility treatment?
Two of the most common fertility treatments are: intrauterine insemination (IUI) Healthy sperm is collected and inserted directly into your uterus when you’re ovulating. in vitro fertilization (IVF) Eggs are taken from your ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab, where they develop into embryos. Then a doctor puts the embryos into your uterus. ...
What is assisted reproductive technology?
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) describes several kinds of procedures that can help you have a baby. ART includes procedures that make it easier for sperm to fertilize an egg, and help the egg implant in your uterine lining. Two of the most common fertility treatments are: intrauterine insemination (IUI) ...
How do I get pregnant?
Two of the most common fertility treatments are: 1 intrauterine insemination (IUI)#N#Healthy sperm is collected and inserted directly into your uterus when you’re ovulating. 2 in vitro fertilization (IVF)#N#Eggs are taken from your ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab, where they develop into embryos. Then a doctor puts the embryos into your uterus.
Can you have fertility treatments with only one partner?
Sometimes only one person needs treatment, other times both partners will use a combination of treatments together. Fertility treatments often include medications that help with hormones and ovulation, sometimes combined with minor surgical procedures.
Can technology help with fertility?
Thanks to technology, there are lots of ways to help people with all kinds of fertility issues. The options that are best for you depend on your personal situation and what’s causing your infertility. Sometimes only one person needs treatment, other times both partners will use a combination of treatments together.
Can you use sperm from a donor?
You can also use sperm and/or eggs from a donor if a problem with your own sperm cells or eggs is causing infertility issues. Talking with a doctor who specializes in pregnancy and/or infertility can help you figure out which treatments are best for you. Your family doctor or gynecologist can refer you to a fertility specialist.
What is the procedure of sperm insemination?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a similar — but slightly more involved — process. Instead of just injecting sperm into the reproductive tract, a thin catheter is used to place sperm directly in the uterus close to the fallopian tubes, upping the chances that sperm will meet egg.
How does IVF work?
During IVF, your eggs are fertilized by sperm in a laboratory or fertility clinic. Then one or more of the embryos are transferred into your uterus with the hope that it’ll implant and result in a pregnancy. Can be good for: Your doctor might recommend IVF if AI or IUI haven’t been successful for you.
What is AI in ovulation?
Artificial insemination (AI) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) Artificial insemination (AI) involves placing sperm from your partner or a donor inside your reproductive tract during ovulation to help you get pregnant. If you’re ovulating normally, AI can be done without any additional fertility drugs.
What is natural cycle IVF?
Natural cycle IVF is a term for in vitro fertilization that bypasses the hormone injection phase. Instead, your doctor will monitor your natural cycle and retrieve a single egg when you’re ready to ovulate. Your egg will then be fertilized in a laboratory or fertility clinic, just as with traditional IVF, and transferred into your uterus.
What is the process of fertilizing a donor egg?
The process involves fertilizing a donor egg with sperm and implanting it into your uterus, similar to IVF. The donor can be someone you know or someone you are matched with anonymously through an agency.
What is the success rate of IVF?
Success rates: Success rates for IVF vary depending on a woman’s age: around 54 percent for women under 35, around 26 to 40 percent for women 35-40, and around 4 to 13 percent for women 41 and older.
How to avoid legal pitfalls when donating eggs?
To avoid any legal pitfalls, hire a lawyer early in the process to make sure you have a formal contract between you and your donor and/or the donor agency waiving all parental rights and outlining that any children born from the donated eggs are legally yours.

Overview
Why It's Done
- In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a treatment for infertility or genetic problems. If IVF is performed to treat infertility, you and your partner might be able to try less-invasive treatment options before attempting IVF, including fertility drugs to increase production of eggs or intrauterine insemination — a procedure in which sperm are placed dire...
Risks
- Risks of IVFinclude: 1. Multiple births. IVFincreases the risk of multiple births if more than one embryo is transferred to your uterus. A pregnancy with multiple fetuses carries a higher risk of early labor and low birth weight than pregnancy with a single fetus does. 2. Premature delivery and low birth weight. Research suggests that IVFslightly increases the risk that the baby will be …
How You Prepare
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology provide information online about U.S. clinics' individual pregnancy and live birth rates. A clinic's success rate depends on many factors. These include patients' ages and medical issues, as well as the clinic's treatment population and treatment approaches. Ask for detailed informati…
What You Can Expect
- IVF involves several steps — ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, sperm retrieval, fertilization and embryo transfer. One cycle of IVFcan take about two to three weeks. More than one cycle may be needed.
Results
- About 12 days to two weeks after egg retrieval, your doctor will test a sample of your blood to detect whether you're pregnant. 1. If you're pregnant,your doctor will refer you to an obstetrician or other pregnancy specialist for prenatal care. 2. If you're not pregnant, you'll stop taking progesterone and likely get your period within a week. If you don't get your period or you have un…
Clinical Trials
- Explore Mayo Clinic studiesof tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions.