IVF stimulation is an important part of the phases of in vitro fertilization. It prepares the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs that can later be retrieved and fertilized. This stage may feel overwhelming to many women. This is because it involves daily injection and frequent scans, along with close monitoring. You need to understand what happens on each day so the process becomes less intimidating and more empowering. BabySoon Fertility & IVF Centre works under the expert guidance of Dr. Jyoti Bali. Here, patients receive personalized care and step-by-step support in their stimulation journey. This article talks about how IVF stimulation works day by day.
Preparing For IVF Stimulation
The ovarian reserves and hormone levels of the patient, as well as her general health, all undergo a deep investigation before stimulation can begin. This is very imperative as a doctor may then be able to decide on a personalized therapeutic stimulation protocol for his or her individual patient’s needs. Blood hormone profiles and antral follicle count scans can be a common pre-stimulation test, indicating the response of the ovaries towards medications.
This is the point where patients are encouraged to take a moderate diet and begin taking prenatal vitamins. They should also stop smoking/ drinking and adopt a general healthy lifestyle. The measures provide the body with optimum conditions to react to stimulation. It is also necessary that the psychological preparation can be taxing, as there can be emotional stress associated with the procedure. The counseling of patients typically includes information on what to expect. This helps reduce stress and boost confidence before the first day of injections.
IVF Stimulation Day-by-day Breakdown
Let us see a day-by-day breakdown for IVF stimulation:
Day 1–2: Starting Stimulation Medications
The IVF journey begins with the administration of hormonal injections to stimulate the ovaries for the development of multiple follicles. There are two types of injections used during this phase:
- Recombinant Injections – These can be self-administered by the patient at home.
- Intramuscular Injections – These need to be administered by a nurse or trained medical staff.
Each injection should be taken at the same time every day for optimal results.
The Aim is to achieve multiple follicular development in the ovaries, which increases the chances of successful egg retrieval and fertilization.
Day 5 Early Response Monitoring
On Day 5 of stimulation, you’ll visit the clinic for an ultrasound scan to monitor follicle growth and a blood test (Serum E2 – Estradiol) to assess hormone levels.
Based on the follicle size and hormonal response, the doctor may adjust your injection dosage to ensure optimal stimulation.
Both types are equally effective—the only differences lie in cost, painelement and convenience.
These assessments help track how well your follicles are responding to the medication and confirm whether your hormone levels are rising appropriately for continued follicular development.
Day 5–6: Follicles Begin To Grow
Small follicles become visible on the ultrasound by days five and six. Each of these has an immature egg. Estrogen levels are closely tracked during this time. The ovaries may feel heavy, and some women even report mild bloating during this time. This is completely normal as the follicles begin to grow.
Day 7–8: Mid-stimulation Phase
This period is marked by fast follicle growth. Patients usually require more frequent monitoring, sometimes even daily. This is to ensure everything is progressing well. The doctor may add medications like antagonists to your routine to prevent premature ovulation. Emotional support is important at this time since the body is adjusting to rising hormone levels. One may report some mild anxiety and mood swings.
Day 9–10: Final Growth Phase
By now, the follicles are close to maturity. The clinic will carefully look into their size. The monitoring has increased now since this stage is crucial for the next step. Patients feel physically heavier in the lower abdomen due to the enlarged ovaries. These are symptoms of progress.
Day 11–12: Trigger & Preparing For Egg Retrieval
The doctor will prescribe a trigger shot when the follicles have reached the desired size and hormone levels. This injection mimics the natural hormone surge and helps eggs complete their maturation. Egg retrieval happens in the next 34-36 hours of the shot.
BabySoon Fertility & IVF Centre provides advanced monitoring and a state-of-the-art laboratory setup. We maximize the chances of retrieving healthy and mature eggs that provide the best possible outcome. For more https://youtu.be/d5bwUgaofoI
Common Symptoms During Successful Stimulation
Mild side effects occur in many women following hormonal changes, and these include bloating and mild breast pain, mild cramps, and mood swings. Some women feel tired during the estrogen peaks. These symptoms are mostly temporary but certainly suggest that the ovaries are responding well to the medications. Doctors closely look into the stimulation’s safety and efficacy. This reduces the risk of complications like ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
Emotional & Lifestyle Support During Stimulation
The stimulation phase is an emotional journey while also being a physical process. Daily injections and clinic visits can feel stressful. This is especially for patients undergoing IVF for the first time. The patient’s anxiety can be significantly reduced with support from family and friends. Several women find engaging in yoga and meditation, or even going on light walks, helpful for managing stress during this time.
Eating a good diet with a lot of protein and staying hydrated on the lifestyle front further makes the process easier on the body. This also includes sleeping enough. Patients are usually advised to limit their intake of caffeine and cut off alcohol completely. These two things can affect their hormonal balance otherwise. Managing everything from physical to emotional wellness ensures the body remains in the best state for egg growth.
Conclusion
IVF stimulation is a carefully monitored process. It sees new development every day. Through understanding the process in each phase, patients will feel clear and confident about the process. The right healthcare, lifestyle support, and emotional well-being can help make this journey easier and more effective for you. The compassionate guidance of Dr. Jyoti Bali and her team and advanced facilities at BabySoon Fertility & IVF Centre put patients in safe hands every step of the way.
The journey starts with the administration of injection hormone for stimulation of the ovaries to produce multiple follicles.There are 2 types of injection the recombinant one which patient can take on its own and others Intra Muscular that they can take with the help of Nurse staff. Each injection can be taken by the patient at home at the same time every day. Aim is multii follicular development in the ovaries
