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Your fertility journey: Understanding trigger shots

November 6, 2023

Trigger shots are one part of the infertility treatment process, which can help couples with hormone imbalances, irregular ovulation and unexplained infertility. Trigger shots can aid in in vitro fertilization, intrauterine insemination, and timed sex with your partner. If your fertility specialist has incorporated trigger shots into your treatment plan, here’s what you need to know.

What are trigger shots?

If you’re new to trigger shots, you may feel overwhelmed by the amount of new information you’ve received about infertility and the IVF cycle. But don’t worry, we’ve got all the essential information you need to know right here. 

Trigger shots are a type of injection that is specifically designed to help with the process of fertilizing an egg. Trigger shots are just one step in the process of in vitro fertilization. These injections contain one of two hormones used to stimulate the follicles in the ovary to speed up the egg maturation process. These hormones help eggs mature quickly and stimulate the ovulation cycle so that the eggs can be retrieved by an infertility specialist right before they would typically be released from the ovaries. The two hormones commonly used in trigger shots are human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and leuprolide acetate. Usually, one over the other is administered, depending on your doctor’s choice. However, some doctors use both hormones, called combination trigger shots.

When are they administered?

Trigger shots must be carefully administered to be the most effective at inducing ovulation and egg maturation. Here’s what you need to know about how trigger shots are usually administered:

  • Most people self-administer their shots — One of the first things to know about administering trigger shots is that most people administer them on their own. Your fertility specialist will prescribe you a shot to inject during a specified time. Some people prefer to have their partner administer their injections, while others prefer to do it themselves. Trigger shots should be administered either under the muscle or under the skin. Most women self-administer their shots through the stomach.
  • Typically within 36 hours before egg retrieval — Most fertility specialists will have their clients wait until 36 hours before their egg retrieval procedure to take their trigger shot. Timing is essential during the IVF process to ensure that the eggs are mature but haven’t gone through the fallopian tubes yet. If an egg retrieval procedure were performed before the 36 hour mark, the eggs may not have fully developed. Conversely, retrieving the eggs too late after the shot would likely be unsuccessful because the eggs would have probably already entered the fallopian tubes. Be sure to consult with your fertility specialist about how many hours before your procedure you should take your trigger shot.
  • Depends on the type of hormone in your trigger shot — The exact length of time that you should take your trigger shot before your egg retrieval will depend on the hormone you’re taking. Combination shots may require multiple injections at separate times.

About 36 hours after you administer your trigger shot, a clinician will perform an outpatient procedure called follicular aspiration. This procedure is performed to obtain the mature eggs from the ovaries. While you’re undergoing your procedure, your partner will provide a sample of sperm to fertilize the eggs in a lab.  

Fertility Cloud can provide you with trigger shots during your infertility treatment

At Fertility Cloud, we value shared experiences. We want to help you navigate your struggles and celebrate your victories. Our team of experienced medical providers is dedicated to providing you with compassionate and professional care. Through every step of the way, we’ll do our very best to ensure your comfort and to help you through your trigger shot treatment.

At Fertility Cloud, everything is done remotely, from communicating with your doctor to your fertility tests. Appointments are conducted virtually via live videoconferencing. All you require is a computer, smartphone or tablet to join the call. 

We understand that finding good quality medical care near you can be challenging. That’s why we’ve selected some of the best reproductive endocrinology specialists. Our team can provide you with convenient digital resources. Each one of our doctors is board-certified and state licensed.

Are you looking for more information on trigger shots and infertility treatment? Maybe you want to know how trigger shots will help you conceive. We can answer any of your questions. Our team of infertility specialists is well equipped to provide our patients with treatment that helps them achieve conception. We’ll do our best to help you and your partner become pregnant and address the cause of your infertility. Let Fertility Cloud help.

Contact our team by phone today for more information or book an initial appointment online with a fertility specialist.

What to expect: Trigger shot and IVF

November 4, 2023

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a type of infertility treatment. It has helped bring more than 1 million babies into the world since 1987. IVF involves fertilizing an egg with sperm in an environment outside of the human body. During IVF cycles, a woman’s ovulation is stimulated with the help of trigger shots, a type of injection containing important hormones. Then, the eggs are retrieved in a clinic by an infertility specialist, where they are then fertilized by a clinician in a lab setting. 

It’s a complex process involving precise timing from the fertility specialist and the clients hoping to conceive. If you’ve just started a round of IVF and hope to learn more about trigger shots and how they work, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s what you need to know.

What conditions may benefit from trigger shots during IVF treatment?

Trigger shots can help a variety of conditions that may contribute to infertility. These most often include symptoms and conditions affecting hormones and ovulation. More specifically, trigger shots may help with conditions such as:

How do trigger shots during IVF treatment work?

Trigger shots are injections containing hormones. These hormones are designed to induce the release of eggs from the ovaries during ovulation. One of two hormone options, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and leuprolide acetate, is typically self-administered. Both hormones are used to mature eggs and stimulate ovulation quickly. Trigger shots are administered before the egg retrieval process, usually around 36 hours in advance. Your fertility specialist must carefully time them to coincide with your ovulation schedule. Generally, trigger shots are used with other infertility medication during the IVF process.

Are there any side effects of trigger shots during IVF treatment?

You should know about some common side effects if you’re new to infertility treatments. Some of these include:

  • Bloating — One common side effect of trigger shots during in vitro fertilization is bloating. During the IVF cycle, the ovaries can become swollen, which causes the stomach to appear larger. Mild bloating is common and most often gets better with your next period or when you become pregnant. 
  • Sensitivity at the injection site — Another common side effect of trigger shots during IVF is sensitivity at the injection site. The skin and muscles around the injection may feel tight or sore to the touch. Some people experience bruising around their injection sites.
  • Pelvic or abdominal pain — Some people report pelvic and abdominal pain after several rounds of trigger shots during IVF. The cause of pelvic pain is usually cramping, but significant discomfort or pain could signal more serious complications like pelvic infection. If you experience significant discomfort or pain, don’t hesitate to contact your fertility specialist.
  • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome — Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a complication of trigger shots during IVF treatments that can become serious. It occurs when the ovaries swell during an adverse reaction to excess hormones. 

Interested in starting IVF treatment for your infertility? Fertility Cloud can provide you with IVF treatment and trigger shots

At Fertility Cloud, we value shared experiences. We want to help you navigate your struggles and celebrate your victories. Our team of experienced medical providers is dedicated to providing you with compassionate and professional care. Through every step of the way, we’ll do our very best to ensure your comfort. We’ve helped many clients through their IVF treatment before, which is why we’re confident we can help you too.

At Fertility Cloud, everything is done remotely, from your communication with your doctor to your fertility tests. Appointments are conducted virtually via live videoconferencing. All that’s required of you is either a computer, smartphone or tablet to join the call. 

We understand that finding a reputable infertility clinic to start IVF treatment with can be challenging. That’s why we’ve selected some of the best reproductive endocrinology specialists to help you through the process. Our team can provide you with convenient and professional online medical services. Each one of our doctors is board-certified and state licensed.

Are you looking for more information on how trigger shots are part of the IVF process? We can answer any questions or concerns you may have about trigger shots. Our team of infertility specialists is well equipped to provide our patients with the treatment they need. We’ll do our best to help you become pregnant. Let Fertility Cloud be there for you.

Contact our team by phone today for more information or book an initial appointment online with a fertility specialist.

Trigger shot and IVF: What you should know

October 31, 2023
trigger shot ivf

The emotions that stem from struggling with conception are already difficult to deal with. It can be even more overwhelming when you’re trying to process the emotions at the same time as trying to explore the many treatment options that may help. We’re here to make it just a little bit easier so that you can focus on the excitement of starting your fertility journey.

When you’re researching potential infertility treatments, there are probably a few words that keep popping up. For instance, you’ve likely seen the terms “trigger shot” and “IVF” come up several times. While both options can boost your chance of conception, it’s important to know about each one so that you can see how they compare and which may be a better option for you.

We’re going to discuss the basics of both trigger shots and IVF. Then we’ll talk about how you can decide between the two for your fertility journey.

The basics of trigger shots

Let’s start off with the basics. A trigger shot refers to a fertility treatment that involves the injection of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin, or HCG. The goal of the hormone is to help the ovaries release mature eggs during ovulation. HCG often goes by particular brand names, such as Novarel and Ovidrel.

A trigger shot is administered before each ovulation cycle. It can be self-administered under the skin or into the muscle. There are a few potential side effects, such as bloating, pelvic pain and tenderness surrounding the injection site.

A trigger shot is always coupled with ovulation stimulation, which is clomiphene citrate or letrozole oral tablets taken to increase the number of ovulated eggs that are released. Your specialist will also recommend timed intercourse to correspond with ovulation, which is about 36 to 40 hours after the shot is administered.

The basics of IVF

Time to move on to the basics of IVF, or in vitro fertilization. IVF is the process of removing eggs from the ovaries and fertilizing them with sperm in a lab. Either a single sperm is injected directly into the egg or they are mixed together in a petri dish. Then, the fertilized egg, known as an embryo, is transferred into the uterus.

Similar to a trigger shot, IVF still requires ovarian stimulation as one of the first steps in the process.

IVF can be done using the infertile couple’s sperm and egg, but it’s also often completed using the eggs, sperm or embryos from a donor. 

Choosing trigger shot or IVF

While you may have an idea of which option will work better for you in your fertility journey, the very first step should be a consultation with a fertility specialist. They will determine which course of action is more likely to achieve a successful childbirth based on your medical history and test results of your fertility hormones, fallopian tubes and sperm count.

Trigger shots are often a preferable course of action for people struggling with ovulation. It’s part of gonadotropin therapy, which focuses on stimulating the ovaries. Your fertility specialist might recommend a trigger shot as a treatment if you:

  • Have no ovulation
  • Have ovulation that’s considered “weak”
  • Want to control ovulation as part of other procedures

Your fertility specialist may recommend IVF if you’ve tried other treatment options and they haven’t shown results. Even though it has a high success rate for patients with unexplained infertility, it’s not often used as one of the primary courses of action. IVF requires multiple procedures and isn’t an affordable option for everyone. 

It’s important to remember that trigger shots and IVF aren’t the only courses of action. Your fertility specialist may recommend other options, such as intrauterine insemination. 

Fertility Cloud can tell you what you need to know about trigger shots and IVF 

Trying to choose an infertility treatment can cause you to feel overwhelmed by information. At Fertility Cloud, we walk you through all the potential courses of action, such as trigger shots and IVF, so you’re able to make a decision that you’re confident in. We make sure that you have all the knowledge required so that after you make an informed, collaborative decision with your specialist, you can focus on being excited about potential conception.
When you’re ready to see whether trigger shots or IVF is the best option for you, be sure to contact our team by phone today for more information or book an initial appointment online with a fertility specialist.

How long after a trigger shot do you ovulate?

October 30, 2023
how long after trigger shot do you ovulate

When you decide that you’re ready to have a baby, you want to see immediate results. It would be wonderful to see a positive sign on the pregnancy test as soon as you start trying. While trying to conceive is a process that can take weeks or months for some people or couples, others may have to go through an even longer process if they’re dealing with infertility.

The fertility journey can be a long one, but it’s important to stay optimistic and take the steps needed to grow your family. A diagnosis of infertility can open the doors to many treatment options, such as a trigger shot. Nearly every step of this option is time sensitive, so it’s important to know about the time frame of each one. For instance, ovulation will start less than two days after it’s administered. Learn how the shot works and how it coincides with your ovulation cycle.

We’ll talk about what a trigger shot is, how long it takes after the shot to ovulate and how it works alongside other treatment options.

The basics of trigger shots

Let’s start off by discussing what a trigger shot is. A trigger shot refers to an injection of HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin. This hormone is used as a fertility treatment because it can help the ovaries release mature eggs during ovulation. It’s often referred to by the brand names Ovidrel, Novarel and Pregnyl. Trigger shots are part of gonadotropin therapy, which focuses on stimulating the ovaries.

A trigger shot is usually self-administered into the muscle or under the skin in the abdomen.

It’s always important to be aware of potential side effects so that you can be prepared. Possible side effects of trigger shots include:

A trigger shot is often recommended for individuals or couples who have undiagnosed infertility. Females may benefit from a trigger shot if they have:

  • Anovulation (the body doesn’t ovulate).
  • “Weak” ovulation.
  • Had other procedures and want to control their ovulation.

When to expect ovulation after a trigger shot

Timing is everything when it comes to a trigger shot. Your fertility specialist will determine the best time to administer the trigger shot based on the size of your follicles either in the middle of your menstruation cycle or as your ovulation is getting closer.

The specialist will use an ultrasound to look at the size of your follicles and the thickness of your uterine lining. They’ll instruct you to do the trigger shot when the follicles are 15 to 20 millimeters and the lining (endometrium) is 7 to 8 millimeters thick. 

Your ovulation will start approximately 36 to 40 hours after the trigger shot is administered. Your specialist will also recommend timed intercourse to correspond with ovulation, approximately 24 to 36 hours after the shot.

It’s important to wait at least two weeks before taking a pregnancy test to reduce the risk of false positive results. It can take up to 14 days for the HCG to leave your system.

Treatments that can be supplemented with a trigger shot

A trigger shot is an effective infertility treatment option, but it’s never used as the one and only course of action. HCG is meant to be supplemented by other options, including ovulation stimulation and intrauterine insemination.

A trigger shot is always coupled with ovulation stimulation, which involves a prescription of clomiphene citrate or letrozole oral tablets to increase the number of ovulated eggs that are released. 

Intrauterine insemination, or IUI, is the process of implanting the sperm directly inside the uterus. Research has shown that the efficacy of IUI cycles can be boosted with a trigger shot. A 2017 study resulted in a 18.2% pregnancy rate when IUI cycles were coupled with a trigger shot, which is a notable jump from the 5.8% rate without the shot.

Fertility Cloud can answer your questions about trigger shots

When you start a fertility treatment, you probably keep having new questions popping into your head. That’s OK. At Fertility Cloud, we’re here to make sure that you’re as informed as possible about an option like trigger shots so that you can be confident in your choice. From potential side effects to how quickly you ovulate after a trigger shot, you’ll learn about it all. That way you can focus solely on the excitement of potential conception.
We’re here to answer all your questions about fertility treatment options like trigger shots. Contact our team by phone today for more information or book an initial appointment online with a fertility specialist.

Herbs for infertility in females: Do they work?

October 26, 2023
herbs for infertility in females

When it comes to improving your health and wellness, there are many approaches that you can take. While health care professionals will always recommend conventional modern medicine treatments, many people prefer to explore treatments that involve self-care and medicines with ingredients that can be found in nature as opposed to being man made.

It’s important to remember that modern medicine is rooted in research and rigorous testing. That’s why it should always be the first course of action. Natural medicine, or alternative medicine, isn’t regulated and may not have enough data to back it up. The good news is that there have been studies into how herbs can help infertility in females. While herbs can’t “cure” infertility, they can help reduce potential issues that may lead to it. 

We’ll discuss the basics about herbs for infertility before diving into how different herbs may work to reduce infertility in females. Then we’ll discuss other options that can treat infertility that may be coupled with the herbs.

How herbs can help infertility in females

Herbs are one of the most common aspects of alternative medicine. The use of medicinal plants dates back centuries ago to about 3000 B.C. There are many types of natural remedies for ailments that have been used for years. Some are more backed up by evidence than others; for example, people often use ginger for nausea and honey for coughs.

When it comes to infertility, herbs are sometimes used to enhance the female body’s ability to conceive. They may also reduce the chance of issues that may interfere with fertility.

Herbs can help female infertility by:

  • Providing essential micronutrients for reproductive health.
  • Improving hormonal balance.
  • Regulating menstrual cycle.
  • Treating reproductive disorder symptoms.

Herbs that can help infertility in females

When you look up natural ways to help treat infertility, you’ll probably see an overwhelming amount of options and information. While there are many herbs that have been claimed to treat infertility in females, we’ll only discuss the most researched options.

It’s essential that you discuss any herbs with your health care provider or fertility specialist before trying them. They will let you know of the efficacy, potential side effects and if they pose a potential issue for current health concerns.

Here are a few herbs that may help infertility in females:

  • Fennel — This herb comes from the carrot family. Research has shown that it may increase your level of sex hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone. Fennel can also work to regulate your menstrual cycle. It contains many vitamins that are vital to your fertility, such as vitamin C.
  • Vitex agnus-castus — Also known as chasteberry, this herb has been known to help a variety of reproductive problems for women, including alleviating premenstrual syndrome symptoms. It may help treat infertility by improving your hormonal balance levels. It can also help to decrease high prolactin levels, which has been linked to infertility. This protein is responsible for breast development and milk production.
  • Asparagus racemosus — Studies have shown that this herb, also known as shatavari, can decrease infertility in females in more than one way. It can help lower oxidative stress levels, which refers to an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants. High oxidative stress levels have been linked to female infertility. It can also help improve hormonal balance as well as stimulate follicular growth and development.

Infertility treatments to explore alongside herbs for females


Since herbs aren’t regulated as an infertility treatment, it’s important that they are taken alongside other treatments that have been known to have significant success rates for conception. If you’ve been diagnosed with unexplained fertility, your health care provider or fertility specialist will likely recommend ovarian stimulation or intrauterine insemination to go alongside the herbs.

Ovarian stimulation, or OS, works to increase the number of ovulated eggs that are released during ovulation. It involves a prescription of clomiphene citrate or letrozole oral tablets. Along with OS, you may also explore the option of intrauterine insemination, which is the process of inserting the sperm directly inside the uterus.

Fertility Cloud can recommend infertility treatments for females alongside herbs 

While there has been extended research on the potential impact that herbs can have on infertility in women, it’s best to get the insight of a fertility specialist. They will determine if herbs can help you along your fertility journey and recommend other treatment options to boost your chances of conception. 
Contact our team by phone today for more information or book an initial appointment online with a fertility specialist.

When to schedule a male infertility test

October 24, 2023
infertility test male

Many people believe that the ability to have a baby always falls onto the female, but both males and females can experience infertility. In fact, male infertility is a contributing factor to around 30% of infertility cases, while being the sole cause of approximately one-fifth of the cases. 

Conception can take months for many couples, so it’s easy to brush off the possibility of infertility at the beginning of a couple’s pregnancy journey. But it’s important to be aware of possible male infertility so that you can be proactive about treatment options if needed. But when is the best time to schedule a male infertility test? That’s what we’re here to discuss.

We’ll talk about what male infertility means, when to schedule a male infertility test and the possible treatments that you can explore following positive test results.

The basics of male infertility

A person or individual can be diagnosed with infertility if they haven’t achieved conception after having intercourse for at least one year without birth control. For males specifically, infertility refers to the inability to impregnate a fertile female.

Male infertility is often chalked up to unexplained infertility, but it can also stem from issues with the quality or number of sperm as well as ejaculation.

Low sperm count, sperm abnormalities or ejaculation issues can come from many causes or risk factors, including:

  • Inflamed testicles.
  • Swollen scrotum veins.
  • Hormone disorders.
  • Genetic conditions.
  • Infections, such as STDs.
  • Exposure to chemicals or radiation.
  • Substance use.
  • Obesity.

For males, there are several symptoms of male infertility to be aware of, including:

  • Decreased amount of ejaculate.
  • Reduced sexual desire.
  • Erectile dysfunction.
  • Recurrent respiratory infections.
  • Swelling or pain in or around the testicles.
  • Gynecomastia (breast growth).
  • Reduced facial or body hair.

When to schedule a male infertility test

When you’re trying to determine the cause of potential infertility, low sperm count is often one of the first conclusions that you may jump to. Low sperm count, meaning fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen, is a common reason for male infertility. 

The good news is that you don’t need to wait until you’re struggling to conceive before getting a sperm analysis to learn your sperm count. Getting a sperm analysis as soon as possible can shed a light on potential male infertility before even trying to conceive with a partner.

Besides a sperm analysis, there are other tests for male infertility that can be run after at least one year of intercourse without conception. The goal is to determine a possible cause behind the lack of pregnancy. 

It’s suggested that you talk to a health care provider earlier than one year if you have any of the risk factors that were listed earlier, such as substance use or medical conditions.

The male infertility tests that your health care provider may run include:

  • Testicular biopsy — Removing a small piece of tissue from the testicles to be examined under a microscope.
  • Hormone testing — Checks for hormone imbalances that could impact sperm production.
  • Imaging testing — Looks for reproductive system abnormalities.
  • Genetic testing — Checks for any genetic abnormalities that could impact fertility.

Potential treatment options following male infertility test

While it may be nerve-wracking to take a male infertility test, there can be relief in having answers. Once you learn those answers, it’s time to explore your fertility options. For male infertility, your fertility specialist will discuss the potential courses of action that can boost your chances of conceiving with your partner. 

If your tests and sperm analysis have shown a low sperm count or hormone imbalances, there are treatments that may help to boost that number and/or balance your hormones.

Your fertility specialist may also recommend in vitro fertilization (IVF) using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). In vitro fertilization involves removing the eggs from the female’s ovaries so that they can be taken to a lab to be fertilized by a sperm. ICSI is the process that’s used during IVF to inject a live sperm directly into the egg.

You can schedule a male infertility test with Fertility Cloud

Whether you want to check your sperm count or you want to see the potential causes behind your conception issues, Fertility Cloud can help when you’re ready to schedule a male infertility test. The best part is that you can do many of the tests from the comfort of your own home.

We’ll be with you every step of the way so that you and your partner have the support you need following the results as you continue on your fertility journey.
Contact our team by phone today for more information or book an initial appointment online with a fertility specialist.