IVF or in vitro fertilisation is one of the best advancements in medical sciences. It helps a couple conceive if they have become parents due to fertility problems. In this treatment process, ovary stimulation, egg retrieval, sperm extraction, egg fertilisation, embryo transfer, and pregnancy test take place. To stimulate the ovaries of a female, doctors administer hormonal injections.
Many of you (females) have a phobia of needles used to inject. The phobia develops in you since your childhood. In the IVF treatment process, you need to have injections. So, you have queries on the number of injections, their side effects, and how you can get injections easily. Here, have a look at all associated points of injections in the IVF treatment.
What is the number of the required injections for IVF treatment?
The number of injections in the IVF treatment process is not fixed. It differs from one woman to another and the IVF treatment protocol that a woman, willing to become a mother, chooses. Based on the selected IVF treatment and her current health, an expert can decide the number of injections. In general, a woman has to take injections for 8-10 days.
What are the IVF injections used for ovary stimulation?
In the initial IVF treatment stage, experts administer injections to women willing to-be-mom. They give naturally produced hormones to women for 8-10 (sometimes more days) days for the development and release of 8-10 healthy follicles. A healthy follicle usually of 18-22 mm. Some women may need hormonal injections twice a day. Here are the injections that doctors administer to females going through the IVF treatment:
- Gonadotropins Gonadotropins facilitate a single follicle to expand and become mature. The role of this hormonal injection is similar to the natural cycle.
- Oestrogen - This hormonal injection facilitates the endometrial development and thickness for the creation of a fertile uterus. Doctors use this when a woman opts for a donor or frozen egg to conceive. Further, experts ask women to take Meriestra, Evopad, and Progynova orally.
- Progesterone - Doctors administer progesterone hormonal injections to enhance endometrial receptivity, facilitating embryos to implant. The corpus luteum cells in a female’s ovaries produce this hormone after ovulation. Experts can also administer Crinone, Utrogestan, Prolutex, and Progeffik through needles for better IVF outcomes.
Are IVF injections painful?
During or after ovary stimulation, doctors recommend subcutaneous injections, transdermal patches, gels, and oral tablets to women undergoing IVF treatment. The doctors usually administer IVF injections in the belly, thigh, or arm of the patient. The injections are safe and usually not unpleasant. Some of you might have a little discomfort.
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What are the side effects of injections used to stimulate the ovaries in the IVF treatment?
Like other medicines, IVF injections may cause you to have some side effects. Before you start having IVF treatment, you should discuss all associated points with your doctor. Here are some side effects that you may experience after taking ovary stimulation injections:
- Night sweats, headaches, and hot flashes
- Abdominal pain, nausea, and bloating
- Upset stomach
- Changes in cervical mucus
- Blurred vision for a few minutes
- Frequent mood swings
- Dizziness
- Breast tenderness
- Skin redness, bruise, or soreness at the injection site
- Irritability and restlessness
- OHSS (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome)
How to make IVF injections easier and safer for you?
The IVF treatment process is challenging. And the administration of injections makes the process more challenging for some. However, you can make IVF injections easier and safer for you. Here are some useful tips for you:
- Educate yourself about IVF through interacting with your doctor or going through the blog page of an IVF clinic/hospital
- Follow what experts tell you while administering injections to you
- Use a ice cube, or a heating pad to numb the injection site
Conclusion
IVF injections might be frightening for some of you. However, educating yourself on the IVF treatment process and cooperating with the experts while having injections can help you get rid of your concerns. You will be enjoying your treatment.
