These infertility treatment cycles are often referred to as controlled ovarian stimulation (or, hyperstimulation) cycles. Injectable FSH products are also referred to as HMG, human menopausal gonadotropins, or gonadotropins.
Brand names for these drugs (hormones) in the USA include Menopur, Bravelle, Follistim, Gonal-F, and Repronex.
This sample calendar shows the days medications are taken and approximate timing of the monitoring of ovarian stimulation and the intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedure.
Injectables are usually done in conjunction with IUI to get a better success rate, but can also be done with timed intercourse.
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Menstrual period starts |
2 | 3 Baseline blood and ultrasound Day 1 of stimulation Start FSH shots (“injectables”) |
4 Day 2 of stimulation FSH shot |
5 Day 3 of stimulation FSH shot |
6 Day 4 of stimulation FSH shot |
7 Blood and ultrasound Day 5 of stimulation FSH shot |
| 8 Day 6 of stimulation FSH shot |
9 Blood and ultrasound Day 7 of stimulation FSH shot |
10 Stimulation is done – HCG “trigger” shot given in evening Day 8 of stimulation |
11 | 12 Insemination, IUI – (or timed intercourse) in morning |
13 | 14 |
Key to table:
Blood and ultrasound = blood test for hormone levels and transvaginal ultrasound to measure follicle development in ovaries
FSH = subcutaneous injection of a medication containing follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), which causes follicles containing eggs to develop in the ovaries.
HCG “trigger” shot = injection of a medication called HCG, which causes the eggs to complete the maturation process. This is taken only once in the cycle. Release of the eggs should occur about 36-46 hours after the shot.
The calendar shown here is only an example of an infertility treatment cycle with injectables. The cycle of ovarian stimulation will not be the same for all women. For example, some women will need to be monitored more often what is shown above. This is particularly true if they have polycystic ovaries and irregular menstrual cycles.
- The duration of stimulation is usually about 8 days, but ranges from about 5 to 14 days.
