There are several medications that are usually taken in an IVF cycle. These are a mix of injections and medication administered vaginally.
A medication called Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH ) is taken to stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs than usual. It is available as a subcutaneous pen type injection that you will inject daily for around 10-12 days. FSH injections need to be stored in the fridge.
A second medication called an antagonist (Orgalutran) is then used to prevent the release of eggs too early. This is usually started 5 days after the start of FSH injections. This medication is available as single dose daily subcutaneous injections. It does not need refrigeration.
These injections may cause bloating, tiredness, headaches, nausea and irritation at the injection site.
Treatment with FSH and Orgalutran will continue until the follicles are mature. At this point egg collection can be organised.
You will then take a medication called a trigger injection to trigger ovulation and allow the collection of mature eggs at egg collection. It is usually taken 36 hours prior to egg collection. The timing of this injection is very important. You will need to keep it in the fridge until advised to take it.
Prior to having an embryo transfer you will commence Progesterone pessaries to prepare the endometrium for pregnancy. These are administered vaginally and will produce some discharge. These can be stored at room temperature.
The nurses at Bulk Bill IVF will order your medications when you are ready to commence. They will show you the medications, teach you how to administer the injections, and make sure you know how to manage them at home.