Have you heard of subcutaneous injections before exposure to assisted reproductive technologies? In vitro fertilisation (IVF), artificial insemination (AI) or the ROPA method are some of the fertility treatments in which medication is prescribed. In this publication, we will explain which hormonal drugs are commonly used, how they are administrated and for what purpose.
In which procedures are drugs used?
In assisted reproduction techniques we need medication for different purposes, one of which is ovarian stimulation. Some procedures that include this phase are: IVF, artificial insemination, the ROPA method and egg donation (in donors). In addition, hormonal drugs are also used to prepare the endometrium prior to embryo transfer in various techniques, such as egg donation (in egg recipients).
What are the most commonly used medicines?
Some of the drugs we use are:
- Gonadotropins: A group of hormones including FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), LH (luteinizing hormone) and hCG (chorionic gonadotropin). These hormones allow us to stimulate the ovaries in a controlled way and to be able to obtain mature eggs afterwards. In other words, we can control ovarian follicular development and ovulation in women.
- GnRH analogues: GnRH is a hormone that regulates gonadotropin secretion. GnRH analogues mimic the molecule, allowing the secretion of FSH and LH hormones to be controlled.
- Oral contraceptives: usually used before IVF to regulate the menstrual cycle.
- Progesterone and oestrogens: Used to prepare the endometrium in IVF substituted cycles, i.e. where exogenous hormones are required.
In general, there are different routes of administration for progesterone and oestrogens, whereas for the other hormones, administration is subcutaneous (or intramuscular in some cases).
Permanent attention in Barcelona IVF
Administering medication could rise certain doubts about how to use it or the side- effects that may arise. For this reason, our fertility clinic offers 24-hour assistance every day of the week.
