What is a trigger shot?

In the normal cycle, with the effect of the woman's own hormones, one of the eggs that comes out of the egg pool that month is selected and begins to grow, when it reaches a sufficient size, the luteinizing hormone (LH) begins to rise, the egg cracks, and if the egg cell released from the ovary is fertilized by meeting the sperm in the tube, pregnancy occurs and the next cycle begins.

The trigger shot is the needle that imitates the LH hormone and ensures the completion of the maturation of the egg and ovulation by cracking.

Why is the trigger shot made?

In women undergoing ovulation treatment, inoculation and IVF treatment, at the end of the ovarian enlargement treatment, a trigger injection is performed to complete the maturation of the egg and to ensure its cracking.

When should the trigger shot be made?

Usually, when the eggs reach the size of 17 -20 mm, the trigger shot is made. It must be done in cycles followed by a doctor and planned. Patients undergoing ovulation treatment should follow the intercourse schedule recommended by their doctor after the trigger injection. In patients undergoing insemination treatment, insemination is usually planned 36 hours after the trigger shot. In patients undergoing IVF treatment, egg retrieval is planned at 34-38 hours, usually at 36 hours.

In patients undergoing IVF treatment, egg collection is planned in 34-36 hours.

What happens if the trigger shot is made at the wrong time?

Trigger shot timing is very important. It should be done on the day and time that doctor tells you. Pregnancy cannot be achieved because timing mistakes will eliminate the chance of obtaining mature eggs. Especially in a costly treatment such as IVF, making a mistake in timing causes the eggs to hatch and the treatment is wasted.

Does the trigger shot cause pain?

As a trigger shot, needles containing HCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin), which mimics the LH hormone in the body, are generally used. There are forms that are applied intramuscularly from the hip or under the skin from the arm or navel. Today, we often use the trigger shots under the skin, which the patient can apply herself. It is a painless, comfortable medicine that does not require going to a health institution. In IVF treatment, we can also recommend trigger shots with GnRH agonists to patients who have a very high estradiol hormone and a large number of eggs. Thus, OHSS (hyper arousal syndrome) is prevented. These needles can also be applied under the skin by the patient herself.

How many times is the trigger shot done?

The trigger shot is usually done once at the 36th hour by planning inoculation or egg collection in in vitro fertilization. Especially in patient groups who have a history of excessive ovarian response, inability to obtain mature eggs before, or empty eggs in IVF treatment, the time of the trigger shot can be revised or more than one trigger injection can be made. Personalized treatment is essential.

What happens if you forget to make the trigger shot?

The trigger shot is the most important needle that affects the chance of success during your treatment. If you forget to make your trigger injection, you should immediately inform your nurse or doctor, because if you enter the procedure without the trigger injection, your treatment will be in vain, since eggs cannot be obtained. If you share what you forgot with your doctor, your treatment will be planned by determining the new day and time. But, as this will affect the maturity of the eggs, it is the MOST IMPORTANT STAGE OF THE TREATMENT TO REMEMBER, MAKING THE CRACKING NEEDLE ON THE RIGHT DAY AND TIME.