Learn more about egg freezing medications and how they help with fertility preservation
Our Indianapolis fertility clinic helps patients understand the egg freezing medications they’ll take when freezing their eggs. These medications play an important role in the maturation and retrieval of the eggs.
To ensure patients can easily get their medications, we connect patients with specialty pharmacies. As most egg freezing medications are injectable, we also provide patients with detailed instructions about how to administer the medications. Our nurses are also always available to answer questions and provide support.
Exploring the typical egg freezing medications
Our doctors will have patients take certain medications during the various stages of this fertility preservation option.
Egg freezing medications to stimulate ovarian follicles and egg maturation. The egg freezing process begins with the patient taking FSH, or follicle-stimulating hormone, for 10 to 13 days. This medication causes the ovarian follicles to grow and the eggs to mature. Common names for FSH medications are Follistim and Gonal-F.
Patients may also take a menotropin to stimulate egg production. A menotropin is a combination medication that contains FSH and luteinizing hormone (LH). Menopur is a common brand.
Medication to prevent ovulation. At a certain point in the egg freezing process, the doctor has the patient take a GnRH-antagonist medication. This medication stops the ovaries from releasing the maturing eggs. Common names for these medications are Ganirelix and Cetrotide.
Medication to prepare eggs for retrieval. When the ovarian follicles reach a certain size, the doctor instructs the patient to take a hCG medication. This triggers the final maturation of the eggs. The doctor retrieves the eggs during a short procedure that occurs about 36 hours after the patient takes the injection. Common hCG trigger shots are Ovidrel, Novarel and Pregnyl. In some cases, the doctor may use Lupron, which is not a hCG medication, as a trigger shot.
Our Indianapolis fertility clinic team is available to answer any questions patients have about their medications.
Patients receive consistent monitoring during an egg freezing cycle
Throughout the fertility preservation process, patients visit our clinic for monitoring. This monitoring allows the doctor to assess the growth of the patient’s eggs and adjust the medication dosage as needed.
Blood tests. Bloodwork helps doctors monitor the patient’s hormone levels, which provides information about the growth of the eggs. Blood tests also allow the doctor to confirm that the patient is not going to ovulate.
Ultrasounds. Ultrasounds allow our fertility specialists to count the number of eggs that are maturing and measure their exact size.
Communication with staff. During monitoring appointments, we answer the patient’s questions and ensure they have enough medication.
The knowledgeable staff at our Indianapolis fertility clinic supports patients through each step of this journey. Contact us for more information about freezing eggs.
