Gonadotropins (FSH and hMG injections)
Gonadotropins are hormones given by injection that act directly on the ovaries to grow follicles. Where tablets nudge the body's own system, these supply the hormone itself, so they are more powerful. They are the backbone of IVF stimulation and are sometimes used in stronger IUI cycles. They need close ultrasound and blood monitoring because of the risk of over-response and, in non-IVF cycles, multiple pregnancy. The drugs are a major part of IVF cost in India.
Gonadotropins are hormones given by injection that act directly on the ovaries to grow eggs. Where tablets such as letrozole or clomiphene nudge the body's own system into working harder, gonadotropins supply the hormone itself (FSH, sometimes with LH activity in a form called hMG), so their effect is stronger and more direct. They are the backbone of the ovarian stimulation phase of IVF.
Who they are for
Gonadotropins are used in IVF, where the aim is to grow several eggs in one cycle, and sometimes in stronger IUI cycles or when tablets have not produced ovulation. Because they are powerful, they are used with careful monitoring rather than on a fixed dose.
How they work
They are given as daily injections under the skin, usually for about 8 to 12 days, often self-administered with a pre-filled pen after a nurse shows you how. Through the cycle the clinic tracks how the ovaries respond with ultrasound scans and blood tests, and adjusts the dose. When enough follicles are ready, a trigger shot finishes egg maturation, and in IVF the eggs are then collected at egg retrieval.
How well they work
Gonadotropins are reliably effective at growing follicles. Whether that leads to a pregnancy depends on age, egg reserve, and the reason for treatment rather than on the drug alone. Your clinic can give a more realistic sense of the odds for your own situation.
Side effects and cautions
Common effects are bloating, tenderness at the injection site, and mood changes. Two risks are the reason monitoring matters. The first is OHSS, where the ovaries over-respond and become swollen and painful. The second, in non-IVF cycles, is multiple pregnancy if several eggs are released at once. Scans and blood tests through the cycle are what keep both in check.
Gonadotropins in India
The injections are one of the larger parts of the cost of an IVF cycle, and can run into tens of thousands of rupees depending on the dose and brand. They are given within Level 2 registered clinics that offer advanced ART. Ask for the drug costs in writing and itemised, since dose can change through the cycle. You can check a clinic's registration in our directory.
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