Ovarian stimulation phase
Once the period starts, daily injections of Follicle-Stimulating Hormones (FSH) are commenced to make your ovaries develop the eggs. We need to do a blood test and an ultrasound scan first and this is usually done on day 2 or 3. If these are satisfactory, the injections are commenced. The exact number of days of daily injections depends on how you respond. The usual is about ten days. During this time you will need to come to the clinic to have ultrasound scans to assess the development of the eggs and make adjustments to the injection dosage. The first scan is after five days of FSH and further scans are performed at two to three day intervals. Approx four clinic visits are needed before you are ready for the eggs to be collected.
When the follicles are nearing maturity, a second injection called a GnRH antagonist is commenced to prevent the ovary from ovulating (releasing) the eggs.