How do IVF injections work?
IVF injections help your ovaries produce more eggs by using hormones that tell your body to grow extra follicles, each with an egg inside. Some injections stop you from ovulating too soon, while others make sure the eggs are fully ready. This method allows doctors to collect eggs at the right moment, which boosts the chances of successful fertilization.
How Many IVF Shots Are Needed for IVF Treatment?
- Your doctor will give you a schedule for your IVF injections.
- You might give yourself the injections at home or get them at the clinic.
- You’ll need around 90 injections, 1-2 per day, over 10-12 days.
Types of IVF Injections
some common IVF injections and their uses:
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) Injections:
It helps to stimulate the ovaries, promoting the growth and maturation of eggs. Sometimes, they are combined with human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) to enhance effectiveness.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone Antagonists (GnRH Antagonists):
These block natural reproductive hormones and are used closer to ovulation during ovarian stimulation.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Injections:
Given after embryo transfer, these injections help prepare the uterine lining for implantation and increase pregnancy chances.
Menopur Injections:
These combine FSH and LH to help your ovaries develop multiple eggs.
Progesterone Injections:
After egg retrieval, these injections help prepare the uterine lining for embryo transfer and support implantation.
Benefits of Taking IVF Injections
- IVF injections stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, increasing the chance of successful fertilization.
- They control ovulation and hormone levels to ensure eggs are retrieved at the optimal time.
- Some injections prepare the uterine lining for better embryo implantation.
- The variety of injections allows for personalized treatment plans.
- They help regulate and synchronize the IVF process, reducing risks.
- Progesterone injections support the uterine lining, creating a favorable environment for the embryo.
How long is the IVF process from beginning to end?
The IVF treatment process typically lasts about 4 to 6 weeks and involves several key steps:
- Multiple eggs are produced from the ovaries through the medications.
- A minor procedure collects the eggs from the ovaries.
- The eggs are combined with sperm in the lab to create embryos.
- The embryos develop over a few days and the best embryo is transferred into the uterus to attempt to achieve pregnancy.
- About 10 to 14 days after the embryo transfer, you'll take a pregnancy test to see if the treatment was successful.
After the IVF procedure
After the IVF procedure, you should rest briefly but can return to light activities soon after. It’s normal to have some mild cramping or light spotting. Your doctor will likely give you progesterone supplements to support early pregnancy for about 10-12 days. Common side effects include bloating or sore breasts, but if you experience severe discomfort, contact your doctor right away.
About 10-14 days after the procedure, you’ll take a pregnancy test to determine if the IVF was successful. If the pregnancy test is positive, your doctor will schedule an ultrasound to monitor the pregnancy. If it’s negative, your doctor will discuss the next steps. IVF Treatment process can lead to emotional outbursts, so leaning on family or a counselor for support can be helpful. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider immediately:
- Fever above 100.5°F (38°C)
- Pelvic pain
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Blood in your urine
Outlook (Prognosis)
The success rate of IVF treatment can differ from one clinic to another, so it’s important to assess these rates carefully. Pregnancy rates show how many women become pregnant through IVF. However, not all pregnancies end in a live birth. Live birth rates show how many women give birth to a healthy baby. Each clinic’s rates can differ based on their patients and practices, so it’s not always easy to compare clinics.
Here are key factors that positively impact outcomes.
- On average, about 30-35% of IVF cycles result in pregnancy.
- Approximately 25-30% of IVF cycles lead to a live birth.
- Success rates are influenced by factors such as maternal age and the number of embryos transferred.
- Women under 35 usually have better chances of success with IVF than those over 40.
- To lower the risk of having multiple pregnancies, doctors often use single embryo transfers.
- Embryos not used in the first cycle can be frozen. About 30-40% of these frozen embryos can result in a successful pregnancy later.
Why Opt for IVF Treatment at Kana Fertility?
Selecting Kana Fertility in Chennai for your IVF treatment guarantees you receive expert care with advanced technology. Their personalized approach and supportive environment make them a leading choice for effective IVF treatment in Chennai.
Dr B.Priya Kalyani
MBBS., DGO, DNB (OG)
Senior Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist