If you are someone that’s not very fond of needles, the IVF journey can seem daunting, especially because of the extensive injections that are common during the IVF treatment in india.
A common and very practical question patients ask is: “How many injections will I need for IVF?” And, if your mind is muddled with similar thoughts, be assured that you aren’t the only person. However, you need to understand that the answer isn’t as simple and it varies from one patient to the other.
That said, this Jindal IVF guide will walk you through the details of how many injections for IVF treatment, what to expect and how to navigate through this journey.
Why Are Injections Necessary in IVF?
Before we gloss over how many injections for IVF treatment, it is vital we understand the significance of injections during the IVF journey and why it varies for different patients.
The objective of injections in IVF is extensive. They deliver precise doses of fertility medications that further prepare your body for egg retrieval and embryo transfer.
Here’s why injections are necessary in IVF:
Stimulating multiple eggs
When you undergo a natural cycle, only one egg matures. However, when it comes to IVF, the procedure usually works best with multiple eggs as not every egg will fertilise and develop into a viable embryo. So, to ensure development and maturity of multiple eggs, injections of hormones like FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and sometimes LH (luteinizing hormone) are used to encourage the ovaries to produce several eggs at once.
Preventing premature ovulation
IVF is an extremely time-sensitive procedure, which means that if the eggs are released prematurely, it would disrupt the IVF timeline. Some of the medications like GnRH antagonists or agonists are used to prevent early ovulation and keep the process under control.
Triggering final maturation
Once follicles are ready, a “trigger shot” (often hCG) ensures eggs reach the final stage of maturity and can be collected safely during retrieval.
Supporting the luteal phase
Once the embryo transfer is done successfully, progesterone injections help prepare the uterine lining, making it receptive to the embryo and supporting early pregnancy.
Also, every injection that you get during your IVF journey, has a specific function and together they work in harmony to ensure the success of the IVF cycle.
Explore More about IVF Success:
What is the IVF Injection Timeline – When Does One Get the Shots?
Now that you have a fair bit of understanding about the IVF injections and the purpose they serve, being aware of the “when” is equally important.
Here’s a breakdown of the accurate IVF injection timeline:
1. Ovarian stimulation (8-14 days)
This is likely the most “injection heavy” phase where most patients have to get 1-3 injections daily for about 8-14 days. These are the FSH or FSH + LH medications and the number of injections usually range from 8 to 36 injections.
2. Ovulation suppression (5-21 days)
Starting midway through stimulation, you may receive daily injections of a GnRH antagonist or agonist to stop premature ovulation and the approximate count of injections varies from 5 to 21.
3. The trigger shot (1-2 injections)
When follicles are ready, a trigger injection is given 34-36 hours before retrieval. This is usually a single injection, though occasionally two are prescribed.
4. Luteal phase support (up to 10 weeks)
Once the egg retrieval and embryo transfer are done successfully, progesterone support begins. The progesterone shot is usually given as daily intramuscular injections for two weeks, or longer if pregnancy is achieved. The total number of injections can vary from 14 to 84.
So, on average, the range of injections is from 25 (lower estimate) to 100+ (high estimate in advanced infertility) for every patient. During your consultation with our specialists at Jindal IVF, our specialists will offer a thorough rundown of the total number of injections you will need to get.
What Determines How Many Injections You Will Get During Your IVF Journey?
As previously specified, there is no specific or “standard” number of injections. It varies from one patient to the other and is influenced by numerous factors including:
- The first and possibly the most important factor is the patient’s age and ovarian reserve, especially the women.
- The type of IVF protocol you are undergoing also influences the number of injections. For example, antagonist protocols often involve fewer injections than the agonist protocols.
- While some patients respond quickly to the medications and need fewer days of stimulation, others might require extended treatment.
- Also, for the luteal phase, some infertility doctors in India use progesterone injections for weeks, while others switch to vaginal suppositories or oral medications after a certain point.
At Jindal IVF, you will get a thorough rundown of all the factors involved in your IVF journey, especially about your fertility journey.
What Are Some Practical Tips to Manage the Injection Process during IVF?
The thought of dozens of injections can feel overwhelming but patients often find it manageable when they have a few practical tips under their belt.
The following are a few tips to keep in mind:
- If you are opting for self-administering injections, which are the subcutaneous injections, learning the techniques can ease the process for you.
- Having a routine is also a great way to navigate through the complexities and worries. So, when you get the injections at the same time daily, it helps you remain consistent and know what to anticipate.
- Using comfort aids is another way to navigate through the worries. Some of the best aids include ice packs, numbing creams, rotating injection sites, etc.
- Relying on your partner, a family member or a friend can significantly ease the worry that comes with getting the IVF injections.
At the end of the day, you have to keep in mind that each injection is bringing you one step closer to your dream of parenthood.
Experience the Jindal IVF Experience!
So, how many injections will IVF involve? The realistic answer is anywhere from 25 to 100+, depending on your unique situation. While the number may sound intimidating at first, remember: each injection plays a vital role in moving you closer to your dream of holding your baby in your arms.
If you’re considering IVF, or if you’re simply gathering information, our team at Jindal IVF, the best IVF centre in Chandigarh, is here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and guide you through every step, injection included.
For more details,schedule your consultation today with Jindal IVF, Chandigarh and turn your dreams of parenthood into reality.
