The trigger injection, also known as the “trigger shot in IVF,” is a hormonal injection used in various fertility therapies, such as IVF and ART. Human chorionic gonadotropin, or HCG, is normally present in a trigger shot. The HCG hormone is responsible for causing an ovary to mature and release an egg. 

Why is a trigger shot needed during IVF? 

“When it comes to IVF, egg production is crucial. A trigger shot is needed for women undergoing IVF treatment in order for their eggs to mature and be retrievable.”-says Dr. Nisarg Patel who is one of the best IVF doctors in Ahmedabad.

After a woman receives the injection, her ovaries enter a growth period that enables egg maturation for retrieval at a particular time determined by her fertility team. 

Where and how does one take the trigger shot? 

Our expert team at Nisha IVF in Ahmedabad will give you detailed instructions on how to take the trigger shot and the value of egg quality in IVF. It’s important to obey the timing instructions to the letter, as even a few hours of delay can cause issues with your IVF treatment cycle. 

In most cases, the trigger shot must be administered 36 hours or a day and a half prior to egg retrieval. So, if you have an afternoon egg collection appointment on Wednesday, you can take the trigger shot at midnight the night before. There are several exceptions to this time frame, and your doctor will let you know if your situation is one of them. 

The trigger shot timing is perfect, and it corresponds to the growth of the follicles, which the medical unit will monitor. When a large number of follicles have reached their optimum size, this procedure is usually performed. Since underdeveloped or overdeveloped eggs have a lower risk of conceiving, the ideal size is the best option. 

Do you have to inject the trigger shot yourself? 

Yes, particularly because the 36-hour window between injection and egg retrieval means that the shot is usually given in the evening, and often late at night. We make sure that a Nisha IVF consultant is present at the injection site in case you have any last-minute questions or concerns. 

Trigger shot was missed! So, what does one have to do? 

If you miss your trigger shot, it’s important that you notify your IVF specialist or clinic as soon as possible, as there might be things they can do to help you handle the situation. It is impossible to extract an egg after it has been released by the ovary, so it is important to overcome this as soon as possible. In certain cases, adjusting your egg retrieval period can be possible to increase egg quality during IVF. 

Is the injection of the trigger painful? 

In reality, there are two ways to watch the trigger shot and administer it. It can be injected into the muscle or injected under the skin, which is the most popular path. Intramuscular injections are similar to vaccination shots and can result in more bleeding than injections under the skin. IVF is a critical factor to consider in order to increase egg production. 

Possible trigger shot side effects

Most women do not experience any pain or side effects after receiving a trigger shot, with the exception of minor distress at the injection site, which is usually temporary. Owing to the cumulative effect of the therapy hormones and the increased size of the ovaries, you may have already experienced some abdominal pain or slight bloating at this stage of your treatment. 

If the trigger injection is continued, these symptoms can become more pronounced. Since this is not meant to be an exhaustive list of side effects, anyone who is worried about any new symptoms should seek medical advice. 

Keep an eye out for any abdominal pain or bloating, as this may be a sign of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). If you have any questions, please contact Nisha IVF, Ahmedabad’s consultant.