What To Expect From Ovarian Stimulation In IVF

Ovarian stimulation is the second stage of IVF fertility treatment. The goal is to harvest as many mature eggs as possible from the woman’s ovaries. Harvesting many eggs maximizes the chances one of the eggs can be fertilized, implanted back into the uterus, and become a healthy baby as explained by IVF expert Dr Rama Sofat.

Because the natural female reproductive cycle is incredibly complex, ovarian stimulation is also a complicated process. An IVF cycle can be stressful, especially when you’re going through it for the first time.

When it is used?

Ovarian stimulation is generally used:

To induce ovulation in patients with ovulatory dysfunction to help them conceive.
For egg retrieval in IVF treatments
To store oocytes (eggs) for future use

How to prepare before start of Ovarian Stimulation?

Before you start ovarian stimulation, you will have undergone extensive fertility testing. Testing will include blood tests to show the baseline levels of hormones in your body, allowing your physician to recommend a treatment regimen that’s suited to you as described by Dr Rama Sofat.

Stages of IVF Treatment

Ovarian stimulation

Oocyte retrieval

Insemination/ ICSI

Embryo transfer

There are two types of ovarian stimulation: the long protocol and the antagonist protocol. The process of ovarian stimulation is generally started a week before the expected date of the next menstrual period in the long protocol.

In the antagonist protocol, stimulation is started from the second day of the menstrual cycle. Several hormones are administered so that several matured oocytes can be retrieved at a single egg retrieval procedure as described by Dr Rama Sofat.

Ovarian stimulation is achieved by gonadotropins injections that contain follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). These stimulate the growth of multiple follicles in the ovaries. FSH injections are given for about 10 days before the patient is ready for the oocyte retrieval.

The patient is closely monitored with the help of an ultrasound, during the ovarian stimulation stage as explained by IVF expert Dr Rama Sofat..

The number of follicles present is counted and their size is measured. If sufficient follicles over 17-18 mm in diameter are found, the egg retrieval process is scheduled. A final HCG injection is given to promote the final maturation of the eggs.

Advice for the Ovarian Stimulation Phase

If you are considering IVF, before ovarian stimulation:

Choose a medical team you trust to be reliable—good communication will be vital
Keep on top of your medications
Don’t wait to seek advice if you’re not sure about anything
Make sure you can make arrangements that will allow you to travel for tests and discuss results with your medical team