She Strengthens

Boosting Your Chances of Conception with Trigger Shots

When it comes to fertility treatments, understanding your options can be overwhelming. One effective way to enhance your fertility journey is by using trigger shots, a hormonal treatment that aids ovulation and conception timing.

What are Trigger Shots?

Trigger shots contain human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone that mimics the luteinizing hormone (LH) produced by the pituitary gland. LH helps mature eggs, prepare them for fertilization, and triggers ovulation. This treatment is particularly useful for individuals who don’t ovulate regularly or want to control the timing of ovulation.

How Do Trigger Shots Work?

Trigger shots can be injected under the skin (subcutaneously) or into the muscle (intramuscularly). Most people administer the shot themselves, while others prefer to do it at a doctor’s office. There are three main types of trigger shots: Ovidrel, Novarel, and Pregnyl, each containing different amounts of recombinant-hCG or chorionic gonadotropin derived from pregnant individuals’ urine.

Combining Trigger Shots with Fertility Treatments

Trigger shots are often used in conjunction with other fertility treatments, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF).

IUI: Artificial Insemination

IUI involves injecting sperm directly into the uterine cavity to increase the chances of conception. The process typically involves:

• Taking oral or injectable medication to stimulate egg production
• Collecting and “washing” sperm in a lab
• Monitoring egg development via ultrasound or ovulation predictor kits
• Administering a trigger shot to induce ovulation
• Completing the IUI procedure during the ovulation window

IVF: A Complex, Multi-Step Procedure

IVF involves combining sperm and eggs outside the uterus in a lab, resulting in an embryo that’s transferred to the uterus. The process typically involves:

• Taking medication for 8-14 days to stimulate egg production
• Administering a trigger shot to prepare eggs for collection
• Collecting eggs and combining them with sperm in a lab
• Discussing the number of embryos to transfer with your doctor
• Transferring the embryo(s) to the uterus

Who Can Benefit from Trigger Shots?

Trigger shots can help individuals with various types of infertility, including unexplained infertility, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, primary ovary insufficiency (POI), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and anovulation. They can also be used to time ovulation in non-infertile same-sex couples.

Cost and Side Effects

Trigger shots typically cost between $50 to $250, although the total cost of fertility treatments used in conjunction with the trigger shot can be significantly higher. Common side effects include bloating, stomach or pelvic pain, and abdominal pain or tenderness at the injection site. In rare cases, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) can occur, which can be a medical emergency.

Ovulation Timing and Pregnancy Testing

After taking a trigger shot, ovulation usually occurs within 36-38 hours. However, the exact timing may vary. With IUI, research suggests that insemination 42 hours after the trigger shot may result in higher pregnancy rates. With IVF, eggs are retrieved about 36 hours after the shot. Pregnancy testing should be done under the guidance of a doctor to avoid false positives due to the hCG hormone.

Success Rates and Bottom Line

Trigger shots can increase the chances of pregnancy, especially when used in IUI cycles. However, success rates depend on individual factors such as age, type of infertility, and underlying conditions. Remember, infertility is a common experience, and finding the right treatment mix takes time. Don’t hesitate to seek support and guidance from your doctor throughout your fertility journey.