Different drug regimes are used to stimulate the ovaries. The doctor treating you will explain which regime would be most appropriate. This decision is dependent on various factors, including your age and hormonal status. We need multiple eggs so that we can select the best embryo(s) for transfer. Not all eggs fertilize and not all develop properly. Each egg grows in a small balloon like fluid-filled 'follicle' in the ovary. With adequate drug stimulation the follicle will gradually increase in size until it achieves maturity. The growth is monitored by regular vaginal ultrasound scanning.
The procedure is painless and the size of the follicle is closely monitored. You will usually require four or five scans during a treatment cycle. Whilst maturing, follicles produce a hormone called oestradiol. A certain number of patients will require a blood test for oestradiol monitoring during stimulation to assess their hormonal response to treatment. When the ultrasound scan shows that the follicles have reached maturity (i.e 18mm or more in size) a final subcutaneous injection of Profasi/Pregnyl (human Chorionic Gonadotrophin - HCG) is given. The injection is helpful in achieving the final stages of egg maturity. The eggs are collected about 36 hours after this injection.
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