The first step in undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment is controlled ovarian stimulation. During this first stage, hormone-containing medications are administered to trigger the maturation of more than one egg. The aim is to imitate what happens in the natural cycle, but on a larger scale, so that several follicles mature at the same time in order to obtain the greatest number of oocytes, and therefore of possible embryos, thus increasing the chances of achieving pregnancy.
Depending on the patient's weight, age, hormone levels, the type of fertility treatment and the number of eggs needed, the stimulation should be more or less gentle.
Steps for ovarian stimulation
The patient should contact the centre so that she can be informed of the day on which the administration of the medication should begin and the first ultrasound check-up is scheduled. Depending on the case and the treatment, the specialist prescribes a series of medications to make the follicles grow, which must be started on the first days of the period (between the 2nd and 5th day). The total duration of the medication can range from 8 to 13 days.
After several days with the application of these drugs, the patient should come to the clinic to check how the follicles are developing by ultrasound. Sometimes, the follow-up is complemented with hormone analyses that can help predict the ovarian response to the treatment. Depending on the follicular control, the dose is adjusted and, if necessary, additional medication is added to achieve an optimal ovarian response.
When it is observed that there are enough follicles, an ovulation-inducing injection is administered 36 hours after application.
How is ovarian stimulation medication administered?
Ovarian stimulation medication is administered at home under the skin in the abdominal area. In the majority of cases they are pre-filled pen or pen-like devices, so the application is simple and can be carried out by the patient herself or with the help of her partner.
The Barcelona IVF nursing team always provides information on how each medication should be administered before starting the treatment.
Bemfola
Bamfola comes in a device that is very easy to administer and only requires three simple steps: prepare the pre-filled pen for injection, adjust the dose and inject.
Cetrotide
Cetrotide is an injectable drug consisting of a powder and a solvent. Its active substance is cetrorelix and the excipients in the powder are mannitol and the solvent is sterile water. The following video explains how to administer it:
Decapeptyl
Decapeptyl is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist analogue. It is used to control ovarian function in in vitro fertilisation cycles and to prevent early ovulation that would prevent successful completion of the treatment.
Elonva
Elonva is a new drug that shortens the duration of treatment. It comes pre-filled, making it easier to administer.
Gonal
It is composed of recombinant FSH, a hormone whose function is to promote the growth and development of ovarian follicles. There are several forms of presentation in pen or in solvent and lyophilised form which requires prior preparation.
Menopur
Its use is aimed at controlled ovarian stimulation by inducing the development of multiple follicles. The dose to be used will be indicated by your gynaecologist and may vary depending on the ultrasound scans and blood tests carried out during the course of the treatment.
Meriofert
Its active ingredient is menotropin and it is used to stimulate multiple follicular development. The kit consists of four pieces and is administered as follows:
Orgalutran
Orgalutran is used in IVF and ICSI in vitro fertilisation treatments to prevent ovulation of the oocytes before ovarian puncture.
Ovitrelle
The active substance in Ovitrelle is choriogonadotropin alpha, also called recombinant hCG. The injection is in a pen with a subcutaneous needle to attach and should be administered into a fold of skin on the side of the abdomen.
Remember that it is important to always administer the medication at the same time. If you have any questions about the drug administered, do not hesitate to contact us.
