Follicle Stimulating Hormones (FSH or Gonadotropins)
(One injection per day for approx for approximately 10 days)
Gonadotropins are given to increase the production of ovarian follicles. The more ovarian follicles produced, the greater chances are for a successful donation cycle and pregnancy outcome.
Possible Side Effects: (no long-term side effects have been reported)
· Headache
· Moodiness
· Fatigue
· Bloating
· Redness, swelling, bruising, and itching at the place of injection
· OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome)
Severe OHSS is reported in 1-2% of IVF cases.
This means essentially that the body has "over-responded" to the FSH and the ovaries become excessively enlarged. Great care is taken by the physician to minimize the chances of this occurrence. Treatment for this condition may include hospitalization and a minor procedure. Signs & Symptoms of OHSS may include abdominal or pelvic pain or discomfort, bloating, decreased amount of urine, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, nausea, rapid weight gain, vomiting, and/or swelling of the hands or legs.
Ganirelix/Cetrotide
(One injection per day beginning around the 6th-8th day of medications)
This medication is used to prevent premature ovulation in women undergoing ovarian stimulation.
Possible Side Effects: (no long-term side effects have been reported)
· Headache
· Nausea
· Redness, swelling, bruising, and itching at the place of injection
· OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome)- see FSH above.
TRIGGER SHOT OPTIONS: The "Trigger Shot" is the final medication administered prior to the retrieval of ones eggs. The purpose of the "Trigger Shot" is to ready the ovaries by "triggering" the final maturation of ones eggs.
OPTION #1: LUPRON (LEUPROLIDE ACETATE)
(One to Two injections)
The administration of Lupron affects the pituitary gland and results in lower luteinizing and follicle stimulation hormones in the body.
Possible Side Effects: (no long-term side effects have been reported)
· Moodiness
· Hot flashes
· Headache
· Redness, swelling, bruising, and itching at the place of injection
Option #2: Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
(One injection)
hCG is produced by the human placenta. The purpose of administering hCG is to ready the ovaries for the egg retrieval.
Possible Side Effects: (no long-term side effects have been reported)
· Headache
· Moodiness
· Fatigue
· Bloating
· Redness, swelling, bruising, and itching at the place of injection