IVF Stimulation: A Day-by-Day Guide – IVF Injections Schedule

In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is a widely used assisted reproductive technology (ART) that helps couples struggling with infertility to achieve pregnancy. One of the most crucial stages in the IVF process is ovarian stimulation, which involves stimulating a woman’s ovaries to produce multiple eggs. These eggs are then retrieved and fertilized in the laboratory. In this article, we will walk through the IVF stimulation process step by step, from the first day to the final day of stimulation, providing a day-by-day guide for women undergoing IVF treatment.

What Is IVF Stimulation? – Introduction Of IVF Treatment

IVF stimulation, also known as ovarian stimulation or controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH), is a process used to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple eggs in a single menstrual cycle. During a natural cycle, a woman typically produces one egg per month, but in IVF, the goal is to produce several mature eggs to increase the chances of successful fertilization and embryo development.

The stimulation phase involves the administration of various hormones to stimulate the ovaries. The hormones commonly used are:

• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Encourages the growth of ovarian follicles (the sacs that contain the eggs).
• Luteinizing hormone (LH): Helps trigger the final maturation of eggs.
• Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG): Used to trigger ovulation once the eggs are mature.
• GnRH agonists or antagonists: Help to prevent premature ovulation during the stimulation process.

The ovarian stimulation phase typically lasts about 10-14 days and is closely monitored through blood tests and ultrasounds. Once the eggs are mature, the final trigger shot is administered to prepare for egg retrieval.

Let’s Check Out The Day-by-Day Guide To IVF Stimulation In India

Day 1: The Start of Your IVF Cycle

On Day 1 of your IVF cycle, you will begin the process with an initial consultation and assessment with your fertility specialist. This may involve a blood test, an ultrasound, and a review of your medical history. If everything looks good, your IVF medications will be prescribed.

You will usually start with birth control pills for a few weeks before your IVF stimulation starts. This is to regulate your menstrual cycle and ensure that your ovaries are in a resting state. On Day 1 of stimulation, the following typically occurs:

• Start of injectable hormone medications: You will begin injecting FSH and sometimes LH to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple follicles.
• Blood tests and ultrasounds: Depending on your doctor’s protocol, you might have an ultrasound to check the health of your ovaries, and blood work to monitor your hormone levels.

At this point, you may begin to experience some mild side effects from the medications, such as bloating or mood swings, but these should be manageable.

Day 2-4: Monitoring and Early Stimulation

From Day 2 to Day 4, you will continue taking your injectable medications. During this time, your body will begin to respond to the hormones, and your ovaries will start producing follicles. Most women do not experience dramatic physical changes in the first few days, but you might start to feel some light cramping or discomfort as your follicles grow.

During these early days of stimulation, you will have:

• Regular ultrasound monitoring: Ultrasound imaging will allow your doctor to monitor the development of your ovarian follicles. The doctor will measure the size and number of follicles, making sure that they are growing appropriately.
• Blood work to track hormone levels: The hormone levels in your blood are tested to see how your body is responding to the medications.

The goal of the first few days is to ensure that your ovaries are beginning to produce follicles, but not too many, which can result in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Your doctor will adjust your medications as necessary to keep everything on track.

Day 5-7: Increasing Dosages and Monitoring Progress

By Day 5 to Day 7 of stimulation, you should notice some changes in your body. Your ovaries will likely begin to enlarge as follicles grow and mature. During this phase, your doctor may adjust your medication dosage based on the ultrasound and blood test results.

• Ultrasound monitoring becomes more frequent: The number and size of your follicles will be carefully tracked. Typically, you’ll want about 8-15 follicles developing, but this varies based on individual factors.
• Increasing hormone dosage: Depending on your response, your doctor may adjust the dosage of your injectable medications to ensure the follicles are developing appropriately. Some women might need more FSH to help mature their follicles.

Side effects like bloating, mood swings, or headaches may increase, as your ovaries continue to enlarge. You may also feel some discomfort or pressure as the follicles grow, especially if the stimulation is progressing well.

Day 8-10: Follicle Maturation and Monitoring Intensifies

Between Days 8 and 10 of stimulation, your follicles should be nearing maturity. By now, you will likely be visiting your fertility clinic more frequently for ultrasounds and blood work, as your doctor will closely monitor your progress to determine when to administer the final trigger shot.

• Final follicle development: Follicles should be between 16-18mm in size by this point. Larger follicles are nearing maturity and will be the ones ready for retrieval.
• Adjustments to medication: If necessary, your doctor will modify your medication to ensure all follicles develop uniformly. If a dominant follicle is growing too quickly, adjustments may be made to slow it down.

You may feel more pronounced side effects during this time, including bloating, fatigue, or mood swings. Keep in mind that this phase can be uncomfortable, but it’s an essential part of the IVF process India.

Day 11-13: Trigger Shot and Final Preparations

By Day 11 to Day 13 of stimulation, your doctor will be assessing your follicles carefully to determine when to trigger ovulation. Once your follicles have reached the appropriate size (usually 18-20mm), your doctor will administer the final trigger shot, typically hCG, to prompt the eggs to mature fully.

• Trigger shot: The trigger shot is usually given in the evening and is a key moment in the IVF process. You will be instructed to take it at a very specific time, usually 36 hours before the egg retrieval procedure.
• Ongoing monitoring: Your doctor will continue to monitor you closely for any signs of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). If you are at risk, adjustments may be made to your treatment to prevent complications.

At this point, your ovaries will be prepared for egg retrieval, and you may experience an increase in bloating, breast tenderness, and other discomforts as the eggs reach maturity.

Day 14: Egg Retrieval – IVF Process Step By Step Timeline

The day after your final trigger shot, you will undergo the egg retrieval procedure. This is a short outpatient procedure done under sedation or anesthesia, where the doctor will use an ultrasound-guided needle to aspirate the eggs from the follicles in your ovaries.

• Egg retrieval procedure: The procedure typically takes about 20-30 minutes, and you’ll be sedated to ensure you’re comfortable.
• Post-retrieval care: After the procedure, you may experience mild cramping, bloating, or spotting. Your fertility clinic will give you aftercare instructions to manage any discomfort and support your recovery.

After the egg retrieval, the fertilization process begins, and your eggs will be inseminated in the lab (either via conventional insemination or ICSI, depending on your case). Within a few days, the embryos will be monitored for development.

What Are The Side Effects and Risks of IVF Stimulation? – IVF Stimulation: A Day-By-Day Guide

While ovarian stimulation is generally safe, there are some potential side effects and risks associated with the process:

• Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): This is a rare but serious complication where the ovaries become enlarged and swollen, causing fluid retention and discomfort.
• Multiple pregnancies: Because several eggs are retrieved and fertilized, there is a higher chance of multiple pregnancies, such as twins or triplets.
• Side effects of hormones: The hormonal medications used in IVF stimulation can cause mood swings, bloating, headaches, fatigue, and hot flashes.
• Egg quality: The quality of the eggs retrieved can vary from cycle to cycle, and some women may produce fewer high-quality eggs than others.

Your fertility clinic will monitor you closely throughout the stimulation process to minimize risks and ensure the best possible outcome.

What Should You Not Do During IVF Stimulation? – IVF Stimulation

To increase your chances of success and reduce any issues, there are a few things you should avoid doing during IVF stimulation. First and foremost, you should never miss or postpone taking your medications because the timing and amount are essential to the effectiveness of the stimulation process. 

Steer clear of physically demanding exercises or activities that could overstress your ovaries, like hard lifting or intense training, as they could cause pain or even harm. Additionally, abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drug use is crucial because these behaviors can impair your fertility and the overall effectiveness of IVF. 

Additionally, you should limit your caffeine intake because it can affect ovarian function and hormone levels. Limiting your exposure to stress is also advised because excessive stress can negatively affect how your body reacts to treatment. 

Last but not least, even though many women are tempted to have sex during IVF, it is encouraged to refrain from doing so if your doctor advises it. This will lower the chance of ovarian torsion or complications from the enlarged ovaries. For individualized guidance during this delicate period, always seek the opinion of your fertility specialist.

Is There Any Personal Home Taker Available For IVF Women?

It is true that women receiving IVF treatment have access to personal home care choices, which can greatly enhance their general well-being during this period. A few choices for in-home care are as follows:

IVF Nurses Or Caregivers

Some women choose to use trained IVF nurses or caregivers who can help with drug administration (such as hormone injections), progress tracking, and emotional support. These experts can guarantee appropriate treatment during the stimulation and egg extraction phases and offer advice on any negative effects or difficulties.

Doula Services

Throughout the IVF process, IVF doulas provide both physical and emotional assistance. Particularly during the waiting phase and following egg retrieval, they bring comfort during the stimulation cycle, help with relaxation techniques, and a sense of peace and direction.

Post-Procedure Home Care

Some women may want someone to help with home chores, keep an eye on their recuperation, and make sure they are appropriately following post-procedure guidelines following egg retrieval or embryo transfer.

Nutritional Support

To make sure they are sticking to a diet that promotes fertility and general health during the IVF procedure, many women look for the assistance of a nutritionist who may conduct home consultations.

Final Wording – IVF Stimulation A Day-By-Day Guide