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.