Medications & Retrieval

Understanding the medications and procedures involved in the egg freezing process

The egg freezing process involves taking fertility medications to stimulate your ovaries, followed by an egg retrieval procedure. This page explains what to expect during this process.

Fertility Medications

During a natural menstrual cycle, your body typically matures and releases just one egg. Fertility medications help your body mature multiple eggs at once, maximizing the number that can be retrieved and frozen.

Common Medications

1
Gonadotropins (FSH/LH)
Stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Brand names include Gonal-F, Follistim, Menopur.
2
GnRH Antagonists
Prevent premature ovulation. Brand names include Cetrotide, Ganirelix.
3
Trigger Shot
Finalizes egg maturation before retrieval. Usually hCG (Ovidrel, Pregnyl) or GnRH agonist (Lupron).

Typical Medication Protocol

Days 1-2

Start gonadotropin injections at the beginning of your cycle. These are typically taken once daily.

Days 5-6

Add GnRH antagonist to prevent premature ovulation. Continue gonadotropins with possible dosage adjustments.

Days 8-10

Continue medications with monitoring. When follicles reach optimal size, trigger shot is administered.

Days 10-12

Egg retrieval is performed approximately 36 hours after the trigger shot. No more injections needed.

Note: This is a typical timeline, but your protocol may vary based on your individual response to medications.

Medication Storage and Handling

Most medications need refrigeration - check specific instructions
Keep medications away from direct sunlight
Follow expiration dates carefully
Dispose of needles and syringes in a sharps container
When traveling, use a cooler bag with ice packs for transportation

Injection Guide

Injection Sites

Most fertility medications are injected subcutaneously (into the fatty tissue just under the skin). Common injection sites include:

Lower abdomen (at least 2 inches away from navel)
Upper thigh
Upper arm (less common, may require assistance)

Injection Tips

✓
Rotate injection sites
Use a different spot each day to prevent soreness and bruising.
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Ice before, warm after
Apply ice to numb the area before injection, then warm compress after to help absorption.
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Inject at a 90-degree angle
For subcutaneous injections, insert the needle straight in (not at an angle).
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Consistent timing
Try to give injections at the same time each day (within a 2-hour window).
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Ask for help if needed
Many clinics offer injection training or can connect you with a nurse who can administer injections.

Step-by-Step Injection Process

1
Prepare your supplies
Gather medication, needle, syringe, alcohol swabs, and sharps container. Wash your hands thoroughly.
2
Prepare the medication
Follow specific instructions for your medication. Some require mixing powder and liquid.
3
Clean the injection site
Use an alcohol swab to clean a 2-inch area and let it dry completely.
4
Administer the injection
Pinch an inch of skin, insert the needle at a 90-degree angle, and slowly push the plunger.
5
Dispose of the needle
Place used needles and syringes in a sharps container. Never reuse or recap needles.

Egg Retrieval Procedure

Before the Procedure

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Trigger shot
Administered 36 hours before retrieval to finalize egg maturation.
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Fasting
No food or drink (except small sips of water) for 8-12 hours before the procedure.
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Transportation
Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure due to sedation.
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Comfortable clothing
Wear loose, comfortable clothing and avoid jewelry, perfume, and nail polish.

During the Procedure

You'll receive sedation (twilight anesthesia) to keep you comfortable
A transvaginal ultrasound probe with a needle guide is used
The needle punctures each follicle and aspirates the fluid containing the egg
An embryologist immediately examines the fluid to identify eggs
The procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes

After the Procedure

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Recovery time
You'll rest in a recovery area for 1-2 hours until the sedation wears off.
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Results
You'll be informed about the number of eggs retrieved before you leave.
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Activity restrictions
Avoid strenuous activity, hot baths, swimming, and sexual intercourse for about a week.
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Follow-up
A follow-up appointment is typically scheduled for 1-2 weeks after retrieval.

Potential Side Effects

1
Common (Most Women)
Mild cramping, bloating, spotting, and breast tenderness for a few days.
2
Less Common
Nausea from anesthesia, constipation, mood swings due to hormonal changes.
3
Rare
Infection, bleeding, ovarian torsion, or ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

When to call your doctor: Severe pain, heavy bleeding, fever over 100.5°F, severe bloating, difficulty urinating, or shortness of breath.