A Critical Step For Conception
Whether undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) or having eggs frozen, a variety of steps are involved before reaching the harvesting stage. In some cases women might have to take birth control to regulate a period ahead of beginning a cycle. Likewise, hormone stimulation is usually required to boost egg production so that the ovaries release more viable specimens than would normally occur during natural ovulation. However, one of the most important steps in the process is introducing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Fertility treatments are all about precision timing to optimize results. Find out why the hCG trigger shot is so important.
What is hCG?
Although egg retrieval in IVF is the most common reason for an hCG trigger shot to be prescribed, intrauterine insemination (IUI) is another procedure where the medicine might be administered. Likewise, couples who opt for timed intercourse might also use this medication to improve outcomes. The hormone hCG is naturally found in the body. Also known as the pregnancy hormone, the substance normally appears in high amounts in early pregnancy. hCG is produced by the placenta and levels rise rapidly in the first few weeks. Heightened presence of the hormone is usually used as an early indicator of pregnancy both for at-home and in-office tests.
Understanding hCG
Although pregnancy is when hCG tends to be at the highest levels, women tend to have the hormone present even before then. In most cases, the amount is nearly undetectable. However, outside of pregnancy, if a woman has high hCG levels present in the blood or urine, the risk of an underlying condition is possible. Specifically, low levels are often associated with miscarriage, ectopic pregnancies, or even blighted ovum. The latter is a diagnosis referring to an early miscarriage because the fertilized egg implanted in the uterine lining, but failed to develop into an embryo, or stops developing very early on in the pregnancy.
The hCG trigger shot
The hCG trigger shot is a unique situation since a significant amount of the hormone is being introduced ahead of pregnancy. In most cases, the medication is administered through a hypodermic needle shot and is designed for self use at home. Typically the medication is delivered around 36 hours ahead of egg retrieval for IVF and egg freezing, or an IUI procedure. hCG works to mimic the effects of the luteinizing hormone (LH) which is another naturally occurring hormone responsible with preparing the eggs for maturation ahead of ovulation.
When to use the shot
Not every person undergoing fertility treatments will be prescribed the hCG trigger shot. In most cases, the hormone therapy prescription is only recommended in people who don’t ovulate, have poor ovulation, or might have tried previous fertility cycles without success. In the final segment, hCG can help to better control the process and optimize success rates. Note the shot can also be used for people managing timed intercourse as a conception strategy. Some people may have the dosages adjusted depending on the recommendations of a specialist and if any previous history would suggest tweaking is necessary.
Be informed
Depending on the fertility treatment method being used, some medications, or variations might be prescribed. Not every patient will need a trigger shot and timing will vary depending on the method being used. Research suggests that the application can improve success rates especially in the case of IUI where a study showed pregnancy rates increasing from 5.8% to 18.2%.
