Steps in the IVF process

Step three: follicle stimulation

To increase the chance of pregnancy, IVF clinics use follicle stimulating drugs to stimulate the ovaries to develop many more eggs than they normally would. That way, more eggs are available for fertilisation and transfer into the uterus.

These drugs are administered by intramuscular (in the muscle) or subcutaneous (under the skin) injection.

Possible side effects of follicle stimulating drugs:

• Redness, pain or irritation from the shot

• Breast tenderness

• Fatigue

• Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome

• Pelvic pain

• Ovarian cysts

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