Fertility Shots: How They Work

Fertility shots (also known as fertility injections) are one of the most common infertility treatments recommended by doctors. These injections contain hormones that help stimulate ovulation or prepare the body for fertility treatments like IVF. They play a significant role in fertility treatments, especially for individuals who haven't had success with oral medications or are undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).

What Are Fertility Shots?

Fertility shots are hormone injections designed to stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs, regulate ovulation, or prepare the uterine lining for pregnancy. These injections are commonly prescribed for women who have trouble ovulating naturally or are preparing for fertility treatments like IVF or IUI (intrauterine insemination).

There are different types of fertility shots, each with a specific function:

Gonadotropins: These shots contain hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or luteinizing hormone (LH), which help mature multiple eggs within the ovaries.[1]
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG): This shot triggers ovulation by stimulating the release of a mature egg from the ovary. It's typically given when the eggs are ready for retrieval or insemination.
Progesterone injections: After ovulation or embryo transfer in IVF, progesterone shots help thicken the uterine lining and prepare the body for pregnancy.[2]

Who Needs Fertility Shots?

Fertility shots are typically recommended when other treatments, like OTC fertility meds, fail to work. These medications, which include oral treatments like Clomid or Letrozole, are often prescribed initially for women who have difficulty ovulating. However, fertility doctors turn to injections when these treatments aren’t successful.

Fertility shots are particularly useful in:

IVF cycles: Your fertility specialist will retrieve multiple eggs for fertilization using these shots.[3]
IUI: These injections ensure timely ovulation for insemination.
Ovulation disorders: For women who have conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hypothalamic amenorrhea, fertility shots may stimulate ovulation when oral medications can't.

How Fertility Shots Work

The process begins with a consultation at a fertility clinic. Your doctor will evaluate your medical history and determine the appropriate treatment plan. After this, the injections are given in sync with your menstrual cycle. Most fertility shots are self-administered at home. You can follow instructions of your doctor to use it on the abdomen or thigh at home.[4]

These shots aim to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, a process known as controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). Monitoring with ultrasound and blood tests ensures that the ovaries are responding appropriately and that the eggs are maturing. Once the eggs are ready, an hCG trigger shot is given to release them, after which the retrieval or insemination process occurs.

Potential Side Effects

Fertility shots are generally well-tolerated, but as with any medication, they come with potential side effects. These can range from mild to more severe, depending on how your body responds. Common side effects include:

Abdominal bloating
Mood swings or emotional changes
Breast tenderness
Mild discomfort at the injection site

More serious side effects, like ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), occur when the ovaries overreact to the medication, causing fluid retention and swelling. Severe cases of OHSS may require medical intervention.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Fertility Meds vs. Fertility Shots

There’s a distinction between OTC fertility meds and fertility shots. OTC fertility meds are non-prescription options, usually oral supplements or drugs designed to help with ovulation.

Popular choices include:

Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate): A common first-line treatment to stimulate ovulation.

Letrozole: Another oral medication used to induce ovulation in women who have difficulty conceiving.

Fertility injections provide a higher dose of hormones and a more controlled stimulation of the ovaries. Unlike OTC meds, fertility shots require close monitoring by a doctor to ensure proper dosing and timing.

Success Rates and Expectations

The success of fertility shots depends on several factors, including the woman’s age, underlying fertility issues, and the type of treatment being pursued (e.g., IUI or IVF). In general, fertility shots are highly effective for stimulating ovulation, particularly for women with ovulatory disorders or those undergoing IVF.

For IVF patients, fertility injections are essential for producing multiple eggs for retrieval, improving the chances of a successful pregnancy. However, success rates can vary based on the clinic, the quality of the eggs retrieved, and other individual factors. It’s crucial to have realistic expectations and remain patient throughout the process.

FAQs About Fertility Shots

1. Are fertility shots painful?

Most people experience only mild discomfort from fertility shots. The needle is usually small, and your fertility clinic will provide guidance on how to administer the shot with minimal pain. If needed, you can apply an ice pack to numb the area before injecting.

2. Can I buy fertility shots over the counter?

No, fertility shots are prescription-only and must be administered under the guidance of a fertility doctor. If you’re looking for OTC fertility meds, options like Clomid or Letrozole are available but are less effective than fertility shots for more complex infertility cases.

3. How long do fertility shots last in your system?

The hormones from fertility shots typically remain in your system for a short period, around 24 to 36 hours for ovulation-triggering shots like hCG. Progesterone injections, used to support early pregnancy, may be given daily for several weeks post-transfer.

Conclusion

Fertility shots are an effective and widely-used treatment for individuals struggling with infertility. These injections provide precise control over ovulation and play a key role in the success of procedures like IVF. While OTC fertility meds may work for some, fertility shots offer a higher level of intervention, especially for those undergoing advanced fertility treatments. If you’re considering fertility injections, consult your fertility doctor to explore the best options for your situation and maximize your chances of conceiving.