Ovulation Drug: Types, side effects, and guide to inject

Ovulation drugs play a crucial role in assisted reproduction and are a key component in treating infertility. The use of oral ovulation medications or ovulation injections is a common approach, primarily aimed at stimulating ovulation.

Ovulation injections are often used in cases of anovulation, abnormal ovulation function, and unexplained infertility in women. They are used in artificial insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and egg freezing treatment.

The principles of ovulation medications are generally the same: they reduce the action of estrogen in the body, leading to the secretion of gonadotropins by the pituitary gland, specifically follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). This process promotes follicle maturation and helps induce ovulation.

Types of ovulation drug: oral and injectable

Oral ovulation medications like Clomid work by regulating the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to increase the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in the body, thereby stimulating the development of more basal follicles. On the other hand, injectable ovulation medications such as Gonal-F and Menopur are administered directly to the body, delivering follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone to achieve more effective treatment results.
 

Types of ovulation induction injection

Ovulation injections come in both short-acting and long-acting forms. Short-acting injections require daily administration, providing precise control over the ovulation process. Long-acting injectables, such as Elonva, have a longer half-life and can maintain their effectiveness for up to 7 days, eliminating the need for daily injections. This makes them a more patient-friendly option for infertility treatment.

However, Elonva is available in only two units, 100 IU and 150 IU, and may not be suitable for every infertility patient. Patients with conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), poor ovarian function, or a history of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) should undergo a careful evaluation by a physician before considering the use of this type of ovulation injection.
 

	Long-Acting Ovulation Induction	Short-Acting Ovulation Induction
Injection frequency	Once every 7 days	Once daily
Convenience	Higher	Lower
Psychological stress	Lower	Higher

▲Comparing the long-acting and short-acting forms of ovulation induction
 

Administering a ovulation induction injection

Ovulation induction injections are typically administered using the subcutaneous injection method, allowing the medication to be slowly absorbed into the bloodstream through the subcutaneous microvessels. It can be injected in various areas of the body where the skin is accessible. It is recommended to inject in the abdominal area or buttocks. After the injection, there is no need to massage or rub the injection site, gentle pressure to prevent bleeding is sufficient.
 

Ovulation Induction FAQs

1. Are there any dietary restrictions during the ovulation induction?

There are no dietary restrictions during the ovulation induction. However, if you are prescribed other medications by another doctor, please inform your physician beforehand.

2. Are there any dietary restrictions during the ovulation induction?

Can I drink coffee during ovulation induction? Yes, it is generally permissible to consume small amounts of coffee or tea while undergoing ovulation induction.

3. Will ovulation induction affect my menstrual cycle?

While ovulation induction drugs may impact hormone secretion in the body, after an egg retrieval treatment, you may experience an early onset of menstruation by 7-10 days due to insufficient progesterone levels.

4. Can ovulation drugs cause twins or multiple pregnancies?

In a typical menstrual cycle, the ovary will release only one mature egg, and the rest of the basal follicles naturally shrink and are absorbed. However, ovulation drugs can help multiple basal follicles grow at once, to obtain more mature eggs. Therefore, it is possible to have twins or multiple pregnancies.