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Understanding the Stimulation Cycle:
Guide to Subcutaneous Injections in IVF

(For educational purposes only. Always follow your fertility specialist’s medical advice.)

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Beginning Your IVF Stimulation Cycle

Starting IVF is a big deal. It’s hopeful and emotional — and sometimes a little scary. Once your treatment plan is approved, the stimulation cycle begins. This is when your ovaries get a boost from medication, prompting several eggs to mature instead of just one.

At Hopeful Beginnings, we implement this phase with precision. Every dose is tracked. Every check-in with your fertility team has a purpose. The goal is simple: help your body create strong, healthy eggs while keeping you comfortable.

The small shots you’ll receive — called subcutaneous injections — are what drive the cycle forward. They deliver hormones under your skin that guide your ovaries through stimulation safely. Although the process may seem intimidating at first, most patients quickly become comfortable with the routine and find it far easier than they initially anticipated.

What the Stimulation Cycle Actually Does

Under normal circumstances, your body prepares just one egg a month. IVF asks your ovaries to do a bit more. Fertility medications encourage several follicles — the tiny sacs that hold eggs — to grow at once. This gives your care team more eggs to work with, and better odds for fertilization.

Before you start, your physician orders baseline testing: bloodwork and an ultrasound to make sure the ovaries are “quiet.” That means hormone levels are low and ready to respond. Once everything checks out, your customized IVF stimulation protocol begins.

Why Subcutaneous Injections Are Used in the Stimulation Phase

Subcutaneous simply means “under the skin.” These small injections go into the soft fatty tissue layer — often the lower abdomen or upper thigh. It’s a fast, reliable way to deliver hormones evenly and predictably.

You’ll probably require a few types of medication during your cycle:
  • FSH drugs : Medications like Follistim®, Gonal-F®, or Menopur® help follicles grow.
  • GnRH medications : Drugs such as Lupron® or Cetrotide® prevent your body from releasing eggs too early.
  • Trigger injections : Usually hCG or Lupron®, used to finish maturing eggs before retrieval.

The needles are tiny — similar to insulin syringes — and the shots take only a few seconds. Most patients tell us that after the first one, the anxiety fades quickly.

While our team can fully manage your injection administration, individuals who wish to learn self-administration may participate in our educational program, which provides structured guidance and hands-on training from a qualified nurse. Explore more details in our Injection Plans.

How the Stimulation Cycle Progresses

Each IVF journey moves at its own pace, but here’s what most patients experience:

Baseline and Preparation

Starting around three weeks after ovulation, Lupron (leuprolide acetate) You’ll visit the clinic for ultrasound and hormone testing. Once your ovaries are ready, the medication calendar begins.

Daily Injections

Two or three shots a day, for about 9–14 days. These medications stimulate follicle growth while keeping ovulation on pause.

Monitoring Visits

Every few days, you’ll return for bloodwork and ultrasound. Your physician reviews follicle size and hormone response, adjusting doses as needed.

The Trigger Shot

When follicles reach maturity, you’ll take the trigger injection. This prepares your eggs for retrieval about 36 hours later — timing is everything.

More details are available on our Services page.

What to expect with a Subcutaneous Injection

It’s normal to feel nervous about the first injection. Throughout the procedure, our nurses offer detailed, step-by-step explanations to promote patient understanding and procedural transparency. The process generally includes the following steps:

  • Pick the site – abdomen, upper thigh, or upper arm.
  • Clean the area – use an alcohol wipe and wait until it’s dry.
  • Prepare the syringe – check the dose, remove the cap, and hold it like a pencil.
  • Pinch and inject – gently pinch the skin, slide the needle in fast, press the plunger slowly.
  • Finish up – pull the needle out, apply light pressure, and dispose of it safely.

Most shots take less than half a minute.  For personal guidance, visit our Expert Guidance Program.

Keeping It Comfortable

A few easy tricks make injections smoother:

  • Let alcohol dry before injecting — that’s what causes most of the stinging.
  • Don’t inject cold medicine; roll the syringe in your hands for a few seconds.
  • Switch sides each day to avoid tenderness.
  • If you bruise easily, a cool compress afterward can help.

The real challenge for most people isn’t pain — it’s hesitation.

What to Expect During Ovarian Stimulation

The stimulation phase typically lasts around two weeks. Most people feel mild bloating or mood swings; a few notice tenderness or fatigue. Those are signs the hormones are doing their job.

Call your clinic right away if you ever experience:

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Rapid weight gain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness

Those symptoms could suggest ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a rare but treatable condition. Hopeful Beginnings patients have 24-hour access to nurse support for reassurance and care.

If you’re ever unsure, reach out via our contact page — we’re always here to help.

Our Approach at Hopeful Beginnings

Every injection we administer is the result of meticulous planning and is tailored according to the treatment protocol established by your fertility specialist. Each plan is uniquely designed based on your age, hormonal profile, and individual physiological response.

How We Work

  • The injection schedule is individualized in alignment with the patient’s prescribed treatment protocol
  • Prescription can be adjusted based on clinical assessment and therapeutic response during clinic visits
  • Close monitoring with regular labs and scans
  • Evening and weekend appointments for convenience
  • Telehealth visits when travel isn’t easy
  • Ongoing emotional support at every stage

One Fertility Specialist describes it best: “IVF isn’t just about science — it’s about listening. We fine-tune treatment around the patient, not the other way around.”

North Carolina Care and Access

We serve patients across Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary

  • Hours: Monday–Sunday, 24 hours per day
  • Telehealth: Available upon request
  • Insurance: Discussed with your fertility clinic during initial consultation
  • Pricing: Discussed clearly during initial consultation

Visit our Contact page for appointments details.

Why Patients Choose Hopeful Beginnings

Technology alone doesn’t define a great outcomes — people do. Patients often tell us that what stood out most wasn’t just the results, but the warmth and guidance they felt along the way.

  • Thorough injection education before you start
  • Private, consistent nurse visits at home
  • Counseling and wellness support built into care

Compassion and empathy is what helps patients move through IVF feeling informed, supported, and empowered.

Conclusion

While injections are only a small part of the IVF process, they’re among the most personal. With the right rapport and gentle guidance, what once felt daunting transforms into a moment of calm precision—handled with ease, confidence, and care. 

At Hopeful Beginnings, we enhance precision medicine with empathy so every patient feels understood, not overwhelmed. When you’re ready to begin, schedule a consultation or explore our Expert Guidance Programs to start your plan.

Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the purpose of the stimulation cycle?

It’s the part of IVF where medication encourages your ovaries to produce multiple eggs, increasing your chances of success.

Why are IVF shots given under the skin?

The fatty layer beneath the skin absorbs hormones evenly, making these injections safe and easy to do at home.

How long does stimulation last?

Usually 9 to 14 days, depending on how your body reacts to the medication.

Do the shots hurt?

Only a quick pinch or mild sting. The fear is worse than the feeling.

What if I miss a dose?

Call your fertility clinic immediately. Our service ensures you stay on schedule, preventing missed doses and keeping your treatment on track.

Can I get help with injections?

Yes. We focus solely on at-home injection care—delivered with precision, safety, and unwavering support. Sign up today.

What side effects are normal?

Mild bloating, breast tenderness, and mood changes are common. Call if pain or swelling becomes severe.

Which medications might I take?

Lupron, Follistim, Gonal-F, Menopur, and Bravelle are often used — your doctor tailors the mix to your body.

Is self-injection safe?

Absolutely. With proper training, low-risk part of IVF.

How do I begin?

Schedule a consultation online today or call 910 200 2337.