The medication in your fertility treatment

The ovarian stimulation is the first step when undergoing a fertility treatment.

It is performed via medication and the goal is to obtain the highest number of oocytes, and therefore possible embryos to increase the chances of getting pregnant.

At EVA the stimulation is a personalized process which is adapted to the technique proposed by the specialist, the patient’s medical history, age and ovarian reserve. Every woman responds differently to each stimulation cycle.

Your ovarian stimulation in 10 steps

1. The gynecologist will perform an ultrasound scan on the first day of the menstrual period to verify that both the endometrium and the ovaries are in a resting state and no presence of growing follicle.
2. Depending on your case and treatment, the specialist will prescribe a series of drugs to increase the follicles’ growth. According to the patient’s age, weight or previous stimulation, the doctor will establish the specific medication and its doses.
3. On the third day of menstrual period, the patient should start administering the medication as recommended by the Eva specialist.
4. The medication for the ovarian stimulation is given by subcutaneous injections into the abdominal area. The EVA medical team will demonstrate how it should be done.
5. The medication should be applied everyday at the same time according to the doctor’s instructions.
6. The total duration of the medication therapy can range between 6 and 13 days.
7. The doctor will advise you on when you should have an ultrasound to monitor on how ovaries respond to the therapy. In this way, we can observe how follicles are growing.
8. Sometimes the follow up is supported by hormonal blood tests that may help to predict the ovarian response to the treatment. They are performed 2 or 3 times a week.
9. Depending on the follicular monitoring, the gynaecologist can regulate the medication doses or if necessary, add more medicine to obtain an optimal ovarian response.
10. When the specialist considers that the required number of follicles is obtained, an injection is given to induce ovulation within 36 hours of its administration.

How do I apply the medication?

1. The nurse will show you how administering the medication and provide the required information. In case of doubt, do not hesitate to consult the clinic.
2. The subcutaneous injection can be administered at home in the abdominal area.
3. Remember to always apply it at the same time.
4. Administering the medication is very easy; you can do it on your own or with the assistance of your partner.
5. To apply the medication, follow the instructions explained on the product. They are preloaded syringes like a pen or bolus that can be injected subcutaneously.
6. You can be sure that you are injecting the medication correctly by observing that the plunger has gone down and the button has returned to its initial position and finally the screen where the dose is indicated returns to 0.

Type of medication according to every case

The most common types of medication prescribed by the specialist are the following:

Gonadotropins: They are used to achieve a controlled ovarian stimulation to then retrieve the mature eggs developed in the ovaries. Gonal or Fostipur are some of their most common trade names. Side effects are rare, however, without the specialist’s supervision ovarian hyperstimulation can occur so it is very important following his instructions at all times.

Ovitrelle: This product is prescribed to achieve the maturation of oocytes and provoke the ovulation. Its side effects are similar to those experienced during the menstruation period.

Clomiphene Citrate: is an ovulation inducer, known by its trade name as Clomid. It is frequently used in women with polycystic ovary syndrome or other ovulation’s problems, and it is given orally.

Estrogens: Its main function is to prepare the endometrium for the embryo implantation. Estrogens can be orally or transdermally administered.

Progesterone: It makes the uterus of the woman more receptive to the implantation. Due to insufficient production of progesterone, the embryo does not get implanted or there could be a high risk of miscarriage. On the other hand, its normal production promotes the relaxation of uterine muscles favoring the beginning of the pregnancy.

Nevertheless, every woman is a different case so both the treatment and the medication are adapted to the diagnosis provided by the fertility specialist after evaluating the patient’s medical history and the type of ovarian response in a comprehensive manner.

Contact your clinic

During your stimulation cycle, you will be constantly monitored through ultrasound scans to verify the situation. Moreover, the team will always be at your disposal to clarify any doubts via email, telephone or skype.