Countdown to Hatching: The Trigger Shot IVF and the Crucial 36 Hours

Dr. Richika Sahay | 05 Dec 2023 | 184362 Views |

The Trigger Shot: Your Secret Weapon in the IVF Battle

Imagine you’ve spent months preparing for a battle, meticulously planning every move. You’ve trained hard, strategized, and assembled the best team. But there’s one last, crucial step before the final charge: the trigger shot. In the world of IVF, this shot is your secret weapon, the key to unlocking victory.

What is a trigger shot?

Think of your ovaries as a garden, and your eggs as precious, delicate blooms. The trigger shot is like a burst of sunshine and rain, stimulating your follicles (the homes of your eggs) to mature and release their eggs. This release is called ovulation, and it’s like harvesting your beautiful blooms for fertilization.

Why is timing so important?

Timing is everything in this delicate dance. Just like a flower won’t open at the wrong time of day, your eggs need to be released at the precise moment to meet the sperm waiting in your fallopian tubes. The trigger shot helps you achieve this perfect timing.

Types of trigger shots:

• HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin): This is the most common type, mimicking the natural hormone surge that triggers ovulation. It’s usually given as an injection 36-48 hours before egg retrieval.
• Lupron (leuprolide acetate): This shot works differently, preventing your body from stopping ovulation prematurely. It’s sometimes used alongside HCG or on its own.

How do you know when to take the trigger shot?

Your doctor will be your guide on this crucial step. They’ll monitor your egg development through ultrasounds and blood tests, determining the perfect moment to unleash the trigger shot’s magic.

What to expect after the trigger shot:

• Mild side effects: You might experience some cramping, bloating, or mood swings. These are usually temporary and manageable.
• Feeling like a champ: You did it! You took the final step before your egg retrieval, and you should be proud of your warrior spirit.

Data nuggets to impress your friends:

• The trigger shot success rate is around 90%, meaning your eggs are most likely to be released and ready for fertilization.
• Over 5 million IVF cycles worldwide use trigger shots each year. That’s a lot of secret weapons deployed for victory!

Remember:

• The trigger shot is just one step in the IVF journey. It’s a powerful tool, but it’s important to have realistic expectations and trust your doctor’s guidance.
• Every woman’s experience is unique, so don’t compare yourself to others. Focus on your own journey and celebrate every small win.

With the trigger shot by your side, you’re one step closer to achieving your dream of parenthood. Take a deep breath, warrior, and charge forward with confidence!

About The Author

Dr. Richika Sahay

MBBS (Gold Medalist), DNB (Obst & Gyne), MNAMS, MRCOG (London-UK), Fellow IVF, Fellow MAS, Infertility (IVF) Specialist & Gynae Laparoscopic surgeon,[Ex AIIMS & Sir Gangaram Hospital, New Delhi]. Read more