QuestionThank you in advance for your advise. My husband and I are trying to get pregnant. We are both 40 and were succesful in getting pregnant naturally a year ago, however, had an early MC. We are now working w/ a fertility doctor and have done one session of IUI. My question is when should I receive the shot of Novarel. Last month I received it immediately AFTER the IUI, however, things I'm reading suggest it should be given prior to the IUI. I live in Hawaii and have to fly to another island for the entire procedure. Not sure if that plays a part in receiving it AFTER the IUI.
AnswerHello,
Novarel (HCG) is given to trigger ovulation. It is usually given BEFORE the IUI once the follicles reach an appropriate size to ovulate, NOT after. If you had the IUI and ovulation had not occurred, therefore the HCG was given, then it was too late. The IUI missed ovulation completely.
In general, in IUI cycle, the patient is monitored with the ultrasound or ovulation detection kits to time when to do the IUI. With the ultrasound, once the lead follicle(s) reach 18-20 mms) then the HCG is given and the IUI performed at 33 hrs or both 24 and 48 hrs. If the ovulation kit is used, once it turns positive, the IUI is done the next day (approximately 33 hrs). I generally use the ultrasound because it is more exact.
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.
