Common Medications

in Reproductive Technology

Before we get into the list of medications. Below is a great resource! Progyny’s “IVF Medication Injection Demonstrations” YouTube channel was a great resource during our treatments. You can find the link below:

Ovarian Stimulation

Stimulates the ovaries to develop multiple follicles (egg sacs).

Administration:

  • Subcutaneous injection, usually daily

  • Started early in the cycle (Day 2–3) and continued for about 8–12 days

  • (FSH)

  • (FSH)

  • (hMG = FSH + LH)

  • Sometimes used to stimulate ovulation in minimal stimulation IVF protocols.

    Brand name: Femara

    Administration:

    • Oral tablets for 5 days, early in the cycle

  • Less commonly used in IVF, but may be part of a mild stimulation protocol.

    Brand name: Clomid

    Administration:

    • Oral, taken for 5 days early in the cycle

GnRH Antagonists

Used to control the timing of ovulation and prevent premature ovulation. Suppresses premature LH surge and prevents early ovulation.

Administration:

  • Subcutaneous injection

  • Typically started midway through stimulation (Day 5–6) and used daily until trigger

  • Cetrorelix.

GnRH Agonists

Initially stimulates, then suppresses the pituitary gland to prevent premature ovulation. May also be used as a trigger shot. May also be used to put your body in menopause!

Administration:

  • Subcutaneous injection

  • Daily starting before or during stimulation (depending on protocol)

  • Leuprolide acetate has many uses! It can be used before, during, and after ovarian stims.

    This shot can, also, be used to put you in menopause. It may seem counterintuitive to put your body in menopause while trying to have a baby. However, sometimes your doctor needs your body out of overdrive and to stop working against their protocol. Sometimes, this is a way to do just that!

Ovulation Trigger

hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is used to mature the eggs and trigger ovulation before retrieval. Mimics LH surge!

Administration:

  • Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection

  • Given ~36 hours before egg retrieval

  • GnRH Agonist Trigger

    Alternative trigger in patients at risk of OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome).

Luteal Phase Support

Used to support the uterine lining leading up to transfer, post transfer, and early pregnancy.

  • After retrieval, progesterone prepares uterine lining for embryo implantation and is taken through the majority of the first trimester.

    Administration:

    • Vaginal - Crinone, Endometrin

    • Intramuscular Injection (IM) - Progesterone in Oil

    • Or oral - Prometrium

  • Estradiol supports uterine lining development and complements progesterone and comes in many different forms.

    Administration:

    • Oral,

    • gel,

    • transdermal,

    • or vaginal

Antibiotics and Steroids

Use during pre-retrieval or pre-transfer to reduce infection risk and/or suppress inflammation

Administration:

  • Oral tablets

  • Prevent infection in both partners, especially before egg retrieval or sperm collection. Typically taken beginning a few days pre-procedure.

  • Prevent infection in both partners, especially before egg retrieval or sperm collection. Typically taken beginning a few days pre-procedure.

  • Immune suppression to support embryo implantation. Usually taken around embryo transfer time.

Supporting Medications

May be used for specific needs throughout your journey.

  • Thought to improve uterine blood flow

    Administration:

    • Oral tablet, usually 81 mg daily

  • Thought to improve uterine thickness and blood flow

    Administration:

    • Oral tablet, usually 81 mg daily

    • Pessary (vaginal suppository)

  • Blood thinners

    Administration:

    • Subcutaneous injection

  • Lowers prolactin levels or prevents OHSS.

    Administration:

    • Oral

  • May be used during frozen embryo transfer to help promote implantation.

    Administration:

    • Oral