Stage 1 - stimulation of the ovaries with hormones to produce eggs


Your ovaries are stimulated with hormones, given to you as either a nasal spray or an injection given under the skin on the thigh or tummy. 

Buserelin/ Nafarelin medication

This is the medication you will be given.  This part of the treatment is known as downregulation and:

  • stops your ovaries from working temporarily;
  • makes sure your ovaries respond better to the hormone injections;
  • prevents you from releasing all of the eggs before we have time to collect them.

We will describe this in detail, including potential side-effects from the medication. We will also give you a written schedule to follow nearer the time of treatment.

We perform an internal ultrasound scan after two weeks of downregulation, to check that your ovaries are inactive and contain no large follicles or cysts and that the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is thin.

Please note: It is normal to have a period during this time. It does not mean that the medication is not working, so not stop the Buserelin/Naferelin until we ask you to. If you stop the medication too soon, your eggs could be released before we have a chance to collect them.

FSH injections

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) injections are given to you as a daily injection over 10 to 14 days to stimulate egg development in the ovaries. We will teach you or your partner to do this or you can arrange to have the injections at your GP surgery or local hospital.

We will explain the potential side-effects of these injections and monitor your response using internal scans. The first scan is usually done nine days after starting the injections.

Deciding the day of your egg collection

Our team of doctors, embryologists and nurses decides the best day for your egg collection. The cycle may be cancelled before egg collection if you under or over respond to the medication.

Late at night and about 36 hours before the egg collection, hCG is given as a 'one off' injection.  This medication causes the final stages of egg ripening to take place. The time you need to give yourself this injection at home is very important and will be explained very clearly to you.

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