Is IVF done with gonadotrophins?

Gonadotrophins are hormone medicines given by injection. They encourage follicles in the ovaries to grow so the clinical team can collect eggs for fertilisation in the laboratory. A cycle may also include medicine that helps prevent ovulation before collection, followed by a final maturation injection when the follicles are ready.

The dose is individualised. Ultrasound scans and hormone tests help the fertility team assess follicle growth and decide whether treatment should continue, change, or stop. More follicles do not automatically mean a better outcome; the aim is a controlled response that is appropriate for you.

Ask how to store and inject each medicine, which symptoms should be reported, and when monitoring appointments occur. Keep a written schedule because several injections can have different timing. Tell the clinic about medicines, allergies, previous ovarian responses, and any condition that could affect stimulation.

Contact your fertility clinic promptly for severe or worsening abdominal pain, marked bloating, vomiting, faintness, breathing difficulty, or reduced urination during stimulation or soon afterwards. These symptoms can signal a significant response to ovarian medicines and need clinical assessment.

Which gonadotrophin is planned, how will the dose be adjusted, and what will the monitoring schedule be? What symptoms should prompt a same-day call?