QuestionQUESTION: hi,Iam on IVF cycle#2. when i go for the cycle the Dr gives me some hormone injections so that i don't ovulate naturally. they say then they cant find the eggs in the ovary.so then why do they give me ovidrel for me to ovulate.iam not able to understand this part of the cycle.why is it so important for the Dr to know the timing of the shot?can U pls explain why these injections r given and what they do to me...even if i don't know i would go on with the cycle.but just wanted to know what is going on with me...thanks
ANSWER: Hello Amlu from Singapore,
I am not sure that I am understanding your question or situation but let me see if I can give you an answer.
With all IVF cycles, a medication is given to prevent spontaneous ovulation so that the eggs don't ovulate before the doctor has a chance to retrieve (remove# them. This can be done with either a medication called Lupron or an antagonist #Cetrotide, Ganerelix#. The patients ovaries are visualized by vaginal ultrasound to see how many follicles are present #the follicles contain the eggs), how big the follicles are, and to know when it is time to "trigger" the follicles for retrieval. Usually we use the two to four lead follicles to know when it is time to trigger them, which means that the eggs within are mature. This measurement is 18-24 mms. Triggering is actually HCG, which would normally induce ovulation, but the egg retrieval is timed to occur before the body has a chance to ovulate (otherwise if it is done too late, ovulation will occur and the eggs would be released into the pelvis and not retrieved). In general, the retrieval is scheduled for 35-36 hours from the time of trigger with HCG. This timing has to be almost exact.
I hope this answers your questions. If you consult my blog, you can get more information regarding IVF cycles.
Good luck,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf and facebook @montereybayivf
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: My question was,if doctors dont want the patient to ovulate then why would they give a ovulation trigger shot?
AnswerHello Again,
I would not generalize to state "doctors" in your question because I have no idea why your doctor is doing what he/she is doing. It is not standard procedure. This is a question you are going to have to ask your doctor.
Good Luck,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf and facebook @montereybayivf
