A Guide to Medications Used in IVF

A Guide to Medications Used in IVF

When embarking on the journey of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), understanding the medications involved can help demystify the process and prepare you for what’s to come. At New World Fertility Centre in Delhi, we prioritize patient education and support, ensuring that you’re well-informed about the medications that play a crucial role in your IVF treatment. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the common IVF medications and their roles.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Purpose: Prepare the uterus for embryo implantation and support early pregnancy.

Common Medications:

• Estrogen: Often prescribed to thicken the uterine lining. Administered as oral tablets, patches, or vaginal gels.
• Progesterone: Essential for preparing the uterine lining to receive the embryo. Available as oral tablets, vaginal suppositories, or injections.

Ovarian Stimulation Medications

Purpose: Stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, increasing the chances of successful fertilization.

Common Medications:

• Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Promotes the growth of ovarian follicles. Commonly used brands include Gonal-F and Follistim.
• Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Often combined with FSH in medications like Menopur to stimulate ovarian function and egg development.
• Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (hMG): Contains both FSH and LH and is used to stimulate multiple follicles.

Trigger Shot

Purpose: Induce ovulation and prepare eggs for retrieval.

Common Medication:

• Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG): Administered as an injection to trigger the final maturation of eggs. Brands include Ovidrel and Pregnyl.

GnRH Agonists and Antagonists

Purpose: Control the timing of ovulation and prevent premature release of eggs.

Common Medications:

• GnRH Agonists: Like Lupron, used to suppress premature ovulation and control the timing of the cycle.
• GnRH Antagonists: Such as Cetrotide or Antagon, prevent premature ovulation by blocking the release of FSH and LH.

Additional Medications

Purpose: Address specific needs and improve overall success rates.

Common Medications:

• Antibiotics: Sometimes prescribed before or after the egg retrieval procedure to prevent infections.
• Medications for Egg Quality: Supplements like DHEA or CoQ10 may be recommended to enhance egg quality.

How Medications Are Administered

• Injections: Most ovarian stimulation and trigger shot medications are administered via subcutaneous or intramuscular injections.
• Oral Tablets: Hormone Replacement Therapy and certain supplements are taken orally.
• Vaginal Suppositories/Gels: Progesterone may be administered through vaginal suppositories or gels.

Monitoring and Adjustments

Throughout your IVF cycle, our experienced team at New World Fertility Centre will monitor your response to the medications with regular blood tests and ultrasounds. Adjustments to your medication regimen may be made based on your individual response to ensure optimal results.

Support and Guidance

Navigating IVF medications can be complex, but you’re not alone. Our dedicated team at New World Fertility Centre is here to support you every step of the way. From answering your questions to providing personalized care, we are committed to helping you achieve your dream of starting or expanding your family.

For more information about IVF medications and treatment options, contact us at New World Fertility Centre in Delhi. Your journey to parenthood begins with knowledge and support—let us be your guide.

FAQ

1. What are the primary medications used in IVF?

IVF typically involves several key medications:

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Estrogen and progesterone to prepare the uterine lining.
• Ovarian Stimulation Medications: FSH, LH, and hMG to stimulate egg production.
• Trigger Shot: hCG to induce ovulation.
• GnRH Agonists/Antagonists: To control ovulation timing and prevent premature release of eggs.

2. How are these medications administered?

• Injections: Most stimulation and trigger shot medications are given via injections.
• Oral Tablets: Hormone Replacement Therapy and some supplements are taken orally.
• Vaginal Suppositories/Gels: Progesterone is often administered through vaginal suppositories or gels.

3. What is the purpose of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in IVF?

HRT is used to prepare the uterine lining for embryo implantation and support early pregnancy. Estrogen thickens the lining, while progesterone helps maintain it.

4. How do ovarian stimulation medications work?

Ovarian stimulation medications, such as FSH and LH, stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This increases the chances of successful fertilization and embryo development.

5. What is the role of the trigger shot in IVF?

The trigger shot, usually containing hCG, is given to trigger the final maturation of eggs and prepare them for retrieval. It ensures that eggs are released from the follicles at the right time.

6. What are GnRH agonists and antagonists, and why are they used?

GnRH agonists and antagonists control the timing of ovulation and prevent premature release of eggs. Agonists suppress early ovulation, while antagonists block hormones that could lead to premature ovulation.