IVF Medications: Complete Guide to Fertility Drugs

Understand all IVF medications from stimulation to transfer. Learn about dosing, side effects, and proper injection technique.

IVF involves multiple medications working together to stimulate egg production, prevent premature ovulation, and support early pregnancy. Understanding your medication protocol—what each drug does and when to take it—helps you feel more in control of your treatment.

Ovarian Stimulation Medications

These injectable medications stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs:

  • Gonal-F (follitropin alfa): Recombinant FSH; most commonly prescribed
  • Follistim (follitropin beta): Another recombinant FSH option; very similar to Gonal-F
  • Menopur: Contains both FSH and LH; derived from purified human urine
  • Pergoveris: Combination FSH and LH in one injection
  • Dosing: Individualized based on age, weight, AMH, and previous response

Most injectable medications can be stored in the refrigerator but should reach room temperature before injection to reduce stinging.

Ovulation Prevention Medications

These stop your body from ovulating before egg retrieval:

  • GnRH Antagonists (Cetrotide, Ganirelix): Added mid-stimulation; blocks LH surge
  • GnRH Agonists (Lupron/leuprolide): Used in long protocols or micro-dose flare
  • Purpose: Prevents eggs from releasing before they can be retrieved
  • Timing: Critical—usually started around day 5-6 of stimulation or when lead follicle reaches ~14mm

Trigger Shots

The trigger causes final egg maturation before retrieval:

  • HCG (Ovidrel, Pregnyl, Novarel): Most common trigger; single injection
  • Lupron trigger: Used to reduce OHSS risk in high responders
  • Dual trigger: HCG + Lupron for improved egg maturity
  • Timing: Precisely 36 hours before scheduled retrieval
  • Critical: Mistiming can result in immature eggs or cancelled cycle

Your trigger shot time is exact—usually late evening. Set multiple alarms and have a backup person to remind you.

Progesterone Support

After retrieval, progesterone supports the uterine lining:

  • Progesterone in oil (PIO): Intramuscular injection; most common for IVF
  • Endometrin/Crinone: Vaginal suppositories or gel; less invasive
  • Prometrium: Oral capsules; can also be used vaginally
  • Started: Day of or day after retrieval; continues through early pregnancy
  • Duration: Usually 8-12 weeks if pregnant

Additional Medications You Might Take

Depending on your protocol and situation:

  • Birth control pills: Pre-cycle suppression and scheduling
  • Estrogen (Estrace): For FET cycle lining preparation
  • Baby aspirin: May improve blood flow to uterus
  • Dexamethasone/prednisone: Immune modulation in some protocols
  • Antibiotics: Given around retrieval to prevent infection
  • Valium/muscle relaxants: Sometimes for transfer day

Managing Injection Anxiety

Tips for those nervous about self-injection:

  • Watch instructional videos from your clinic or medication manufacturer
  • Practice with saline or on an orange first
  • Ice the injection site for 60 seconds before to numb
  • Have a partner or friend help if needed
  • Mix medications in advance if allowed (reduces daily steps)
  • Join online communities—everyone has injection tips

Key takeaways

  • Stimulation medications cause your ovaries to produce multiple eggs
  • Antagonists or agonists prevent premature ovulation
  • Trigger timing is critical—exactly 36 hours before retrieval
  • Progesterone support continues through early pregnancy
  • Most people adapt to injections faster than they expect

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my medication dose is right?

Your clinic monitors your response with blood tests and ultrasounds. They'll adjust doses based on how your follicles are developing. Trust the process and ask questions at monitoring appointments.

What if I miss a dose or make a mistake?

Call your clinic immediately. For most medications, taking it a few hours late is okay. They'll advise you on next steps. Don't panic—clinics deal with this regularly.