HCG Trigger Shots, what is it?

Wondering what a trigger shot is? Let’s dive in to understand better. A trigger shot, also known as a trigger injection, is a hormonal injection that medical experts use in fertility therapy. The shot is rich in a hormone known as human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) that triggers the ovaries to mature and release an ovum. Trigger shot is part of gonadotropin therapy, a fertility treatment many people have trusted for a long time. 

Gonadotropin is useful for fertility under the following circumstances:

• If you have a problem ovulating
• If you have weak ovulations
• If your doctor needs to control your ovulation due to other treatment procedures 

After a careful examination of your fertility problem, your doctor can recommend either a human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or Lupron medication trigger shots. Additionally, your condition can necessitate a combination of the two. 

hCG trigger shots- Human chorionic gonadotropin is much similar to the luteinizing hormone that causes ovulation in women of reproductive age. Your doctor will recommend this treatment if your tests show a history of ovulation problems. 

Lupron trigger shots– medical experts recommend this trigger shot medication to offset the surge of LH hormone. The LH hormone enables the eggs to mature during a long antagonist protocol. Most doctors choose this treatment because it reduces the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. 

How Does a Trigger Shot Work?

The primary function of a trigger shot is to stimulate the release of mature eggs during ovulation. Furthermore, your fertility team monitors your ovulation in a way that they can outline the time in which your ovum will be released. Unlike the LH and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) that work in the egg’s growth and maturity, the HCG trigger shot helps release the mature ovum. 

How to Administer Trigger Shots 

Some people prefer to have their trigger shots at the clinic, but you can administer them at home. You must be ready with all the requirements to have the shot on your own. Here is a guideline for injecting yourself with trigger shots at home:

• Clean your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, then dry them with a clean towel. 
• Get the pre-filled trigger shot syringe. 
• Remove the needle cap while facing the needle upward. 
• Tap the sides of the syringe to get rid of any air bubbles from the needle.
• Push the syringe plunger until a small medication drop appears at the needle tip; this helps to remove all the trapped air. 
• Identify the injection spot on your lower abdomen near but at least an inch away from the belly button. Use an alcohol swab to disinfect the area. Let it dry, but avoid drying it faster by blowing, as this can introduce germs.
• Hold the needle in one hand, your thump on the plunger and pinch the skin on the injection spot with the other hand. Ensure you grasp a significant amount of fatty tissue for the injection. 
• Inject the entire needle into the fatty tissue at an angle between 45 and 90 degrees.
• Release the skin once the needle is in. Now slowly push the plunger until you dispense all the medication in the needle. 
• Gently, remove the needle from your belly. You might have slight bleeding but it shouldn’t last long. Use gauze to apply pressure to the injected spot. 

If you rather prefer to see a video here is an excellent overview on how to administer a trigger shot

Does a Trigger Shot Help You Get Pregnant? 

HCG trigger shot research shows that it can help you get pregnant and have a successful birth. Nonetheless, to maximize your pregnancy odds, you must use the trigger shot in a time when you’re having sexual intercourse. It helps in releasing a mature egg ready for fertilization. Moreover, it is crucial to follow your doctor’s guidelines on when to use the trigger shot to avoid cases of mistiming. These cases are common with individuals who use IVF trigger shots. 

According to medical experts, Choriogonadotropin alfa injection, which is another name for a trigger shot, is an ideal treatment protocol for fertility. It is useful for cases such as ovulatory infertility or any unexplainable infertility. Nevertheless, most doctors will give you trigger shots alongside other fertility drugs to increase your chances of conceiving. The doctor will decide on a suitable accompanying treatment depending on the severeity of your condition. 

When to Avoid Trigger Shots When Trying to Get Pregnant

Trigger shots are not advisable for use in people with primary ovarian insufficiency or women with poor ovarian reserves. The medication may not bear results in people with such conditions. Further, your doctor may advise against this medication if you have a high risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome(OHSS). 

The following cases indicate a high risk of OHSS:

• If your past fertility treatment cycles had episodes of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
• If your estrogen levels shoot too high before the trigger shot treatment 
• If your ovaries overreact to the fertility drugs you receive, they produce numerous follicles. Your doctor’s opinion and treatment protocol will determine how many are too many. 

Sometimes, your doctor can alter your fertility treatment cycle halfway depending on the results from ultrasound monitoring of your ovaries. They may also make such a decision depending on hormonal blood work outcome. Therefore, if your doctor advises you to stop your ovidrel trigger shot treatment, it is essential to obey lest you risk severe health complications. 

Can a Trigger Shot Increase Pregnancy Success Rate? 

A trigger shot can increase your pregnancy success rates if you follow your doctor’s guidelines. You can use it with IVF or IUI, but it is also advisable to use it with timed intercourse. Suppose you need to use it with other procedures, such as timed intercourse; your doctor will advise you on when to use it and the time difference to observe. 

In addition, your doctor will also tailor your trigger shot protocol according to what works best for you from past experiences. The procedure increases your pregnancy success rates by triggering the release of an egg if your body does not ovulate on its own. But, if you have had a trigger shot treatment in the past, your medical practitioner might tweak your dosage for effectiveness and optimal responsiveness. It also helps in counteracting any adverse side effects. 

How Long After a Trigger Do You Ovulate? 

It takes about 36 to 40 hours for you to ovulate after administering a trigger shot. Since this treatment differs from other fertility procedures, it is advisable to time it correctly in relation to any other procedure you use. It is therefore recommended to schedule any other procedure from 36 hours after the trigger shot because this is the approximated ovulation duration. Even so, cooperate with your doctor for any other procedures, such as IVF or IUI treatment. 

What is The Purpose of the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Trigger Shot?

Human chorionic gonadotropin hormone is crucial, especially for the early stages of pregnancy. An hCG trigger shot boosts progesterone, ensuring a successful pregnancy throughout the first trimester. The main purpose for the trigger shot is to prompt the ovulation cycle to attain the optimal period to get pregnant. 

How to Prepare for an hCG Trigger Shot 

Before undertaking the procedure, both anticipating parents will undergo medical tests to ensure that their bodies are ready for the treatment. Once the doctor ascertains that your body is fit for the procedure, you will take a hormonal blood test and transvaginal ultrasound. Your gynecologist then checks your ovarian follicles until they reach the desired size before giving you the first hCG trigger shot. 

After a maximum of 42 hours, your egg should be ready for fertilization. After this, the mother-to-be undergoes the following tests:

• Blood tests 
• Ultrasound to determine the ova supply 
• Ovarian function checkups
• A thorough checkup on her reproductive organs’ health and condition 

The father-in-waiting also undergoes some tests, it includes:

• Sperm count
• Sperm concentration
• Sperm shape
• Sperm movement 

If you need continued trigger shot procedures, your doctor will direct you on how to go about the treatment. 

Possible Side Effects of hCG Trigger Shots 

Medical research indicates that an hCG trigger shot is safe and does not pose any risk to the mother or the unborn child. Also, you should not anticipate any future abnormal developments when you have the baby. However, there are some mild side effects that comes with it. Below are some side effects of hCG trigger shot:

• You may have tenderness in your ovaries within the first week after the shot. 
• High chances of multiple births, such as triplets or twins 
• Ovarian cysts 
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. The ovaries enlarge, interfering with the abdominal cavity as it accumulates the excess fluid from the ovaries. 
• Blood clots 

While these side effects are rare, it is advisable to consult your doctor in case you have any health concerns after the shot. 

How Long Does a Trigger Shot Last? 

It takes approximately ten to fourteen days for the trigger shot to leave your system. What’s more, if you are on any other ART procedures, your gynecologist may recommend a beta or initial blood test to check for any traces of the shot. Besides, if you fear getting false results, it would help to wait for the blood draw to receive results you can trust. 

How to Test Out the Trigger Shot in Your System 

If you are unsure how long a trigger shot stays in your system, it would be wise to confirm. The best way to do this is by taking a pregnancy test daily and observing as the line becomes lighter. The hCG hormone contains pregnancy hormone, so the lighter the line gets, the lesser the trigger shot in your system. 

As you continue with the test, the line starts to fade away. Yet, if it changes and gets darker, it shows that you might be pregnant. While you can consider a blood test from your doctor, this self-test is still effective. Still, it would be best to use similar test kits with all the tests, so the sensitivity remains the same for reliable results. 

Again, the test time will also determine the reliability of the results. Experts recommend taking the tests around the same time every day, preferably in the morning when you wake up. Taking too much water could alter your urine concentration and consequently interfere with the results. 

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Trigger Shot Mistakes 

Some mistakes can interfere with the effectiveness of the hCG trigger shots resulting to undesirable outcomes. Below are some common mistakes to avoid when using hCG trigger shots:

• Do Not Panic 

If needles scare you, you might panic when self-administering trigger shots, leading to incorrect administration. Therefore, you must be as comfortable as possible; you can lean on your loved one or partner for assurance. If you cannot overcome your fears, it would help to have your shots with the help of your doctor. 

• Missing the Trigger Shot Timing 

The success of hCG trigger shots depends on the correct timing. If you have your trigger shot medication protocol from your doctor, ensure you administer the shot at the right time, better still you can note it down for refrence. It also helps to set a timer to avoid forgetting if you want a positive outcome. 

Your ovulation occurs approximately 36 hours after the first trigger shot, meaning; timing is key. It would be prudent to contact your physician for advice Incase you forget to administer the shot at the right time

• Bending the Trigger Shot Needle 

It is a common mistake among newbie trigger shot users. The needle administering these medications is thin and can bend while you put it in the medication vial. If you accidentally make this mistake, try getting the needle out or disconnecting it from the syringe. Thereafter, you can consider using a new needle. 

• Using a Needle with Air 

Getting air into the needle prior to injecting the medication can interfere with the administration. If this happens, the most straightforward fix is ensuring that the needle goes so deep up to the vial that the tip is just above the liquid level. Suppose you keep it under the liquid level; ensure that you pull the liquid into the syringe.

Also, if you cannot correct the mistake, and the syringe is cracked. It would be best to remove the needle from the vial and try a new syringe and needle. 

• Lack of Preparation 

Fertility medication, which includes trigger shots, can test your mental, physical, and emotional limits. It helps to prepare yourself well before the procedure. Having a candid discussion with your gynecologist about possible outcomes and your expectations is imperative. In addition, your doctor can help you with the preparation by giving the necessary guidelines, which includes dos and don’ts before the procedure. Proper preparation will help you avoid mistakes. 

Does trigger Shots Guarantee You Ovulation? 

Trigger shots do not guarantee ovulation, but they increases your chances. According to your timing, you can expect an ovulation about 35 to 40 hours after the first shot. 

However, in some instances you may fail to ovulate within this duration due to mistakes made while administering the trigger shots. Suppose this happens, it would be prudent to consult your doctor for guidance. Sometimes your gynecologist can suggest a repeat of the trigger shot or prescribe accompanying fertility treatment methods for optimal results. 

Trigger Shot Success Stories 

Determining the success rate of trigger shots is sometimes challenging, as most medical experts prescribe them alongside other fertility treatment medications. But still, many women who use it as the only solution to fertility share interesting success stories to ascertain its legitimacy. 

Most women battling infertility issues find trigger shots a viable solution. Here are some success stories relating to trigger shots:

In February 2022, a woman shared having taken fertility treatment medications without success until her doctor prescribed trigger shots. She credits trigger shots for her three children. She had her first child on her third cycle and the last one on her second cycle. 

Another woman says she got pregnant after receiving trigger shots in her third round of Letrozole, fertility medication. She says the trigger shots lasted eight days in her system, as she tested out on day 10. Still, she discourages testing the trigger as the positive line may give you a pregnancy impression. It can be mentally devastating when the line starts fading out as the shot leaves your system. 

Trigger Shots Side Effects 

Trigger shots do not pose any notable side effects except the discomfort at the point of injection, which lasts not longer than a week. According to medical studies, one out of three women using ovidrel as fertility medication experience the side effect. For women using it as an ovulation trigger only, one out of four victims experienced adverse side effects. 

The following are some side effects that you may experience:

• Stomach upset 
• Abdominal pains
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Bruising at the point of injection 
• Moderate to severe bloating
• Severe pelvic pain
• Decreased urine
• Shortness of breathing
• Swelling of lower body and legs 
• Rapid weight gain 
• Indigestion 

Additionally, women who use trigger shots as a sole treatment for infertility have a higher risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. These cases are lower in women who use other fertility medications. Still, the risks are higher in women who use trigger shots with gonadotropin hormones. 

How Long Does the Trigger Shot Stay in Your System?

HCG trigger shots last up to ten days in your system, though some people record eight days. That means you can detect it in any urine or blood test. While some people may opt to test for the medication’s presence at home, some medical experts discourage that as the inaccurate results can be frustrating. 

How Long After Trigger Shots Can You Test for Pregnancy? 

Molecularly, trigger shots are much similar to the hormone responsible for pregnancy. Taking a pregnancy test a few days after the shot can give you false positive results as the medication is still in your system. Ideally, the best time to take a pregnancy test is fourteen days after the trigger shot and the accompanying procedures.  Suppose you are nervous about taking the test for fear of disappointment. You may visit your gynecologist for the test. 

Reasons Trigger Shots is the Ideal Solution to Ovulation Issues 

Trigger shots can help with your ovulation and fertility issues. If you work hand in hand with your gynecologist, you can achieve your goals easily. Here are some reasons why ovulation trigger shots are the solution:

1. It Solves Anovulation-related Infertility 

Anovulation means you infrequently ovulate, which makes it hard to get pregnant. Trigger shots work best for women under the following categories:

• Infrequent ovulation
• Not sure if or when they are ovulating
• Those under other fertility treatment medications that require ovulation at a particular time 

2. Ideal for Unexplained Infertility Issues 

Sometimes you or your doctor may be unable to define the cause of your infertility. The trigger shots helps to make the ovum mature faster and facilitate ovulation. It gives you an ovulation window of about 36 hours. 

3. It Increases the Chances of IVF Effectiveness 

If your gynecologist recommends IVF for health reasons, it will require them to collect an egg from your ovaries for fertilization. Unfortunately, your ovaries may not be ready to ovulate at a particular time, which calls for a trigger shot. According to the tests, your doctor will determine when to administer the trigger shot for egg retrieval. 

Bottom Line 

Trigger shots are a reliable solution to many infertility concerns for women in their reproductive age. However, its effectiveness depends on your cooperation with your doctor. It would be best to consult your gynecologist to determine the cause of your infertility issues before deciding on any treatment. Suppose your gynecologist recommends trigger shots; you must time them properly and adhere to guidelines.