Fertility Injections: What They Are, How They Work, and What to Expect

When people talk about fertility injections, hormone-based treatments used to stimulate egg production and support conception. Also known as ovulation induction drugs, they’re a cornerstone of modern reproductive medicine for couples struggling to get pregnant. These aren’t magic shots—they’re precise medical tools that guide your body through the complex process of ovulation, often as part of IVF or other assisted reproductive techniques.

Fertility injections work by mimicking or boosting your natural hormones. Common types include FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), a hormone that tells your ovaries to grow and mature eggs, and hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which triggers the final release of the egg. You might also see LH (luteinizing hormone), used to support the luteal phase after ovulation. These aren’t one-size-fits-all. Doses are tailored based on age, ovarian reserve, past responses, and whether you’re doing IUI or IVF. Many women start with daily injections for 8–12 days, tracked with blood tests and ultrasounds to see how follicles are growing.

It’s not just about getting pregnant—it’s about doing it safely. Too much stimulation can lead to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a condition that causes swelling, pain, and in rare cases, hospitalization. That’s why monitoring is non-negotiable. And while success rates vary, studies show that for women under 35 using these injections in IVF cycles, live birth rates can reach 40–50% per cycle when combined with good embryo quality and proper timing. For older women, the numbers drop, but injections still give a real shot at parenthood where natural conception has stalled.

These treatments aren’t cheap, and they’re not easy. You’ll need to inject yourself—often in the belly or thigh—every day. Some women feel bloated, moody, or tired. Others barely notice a thing. The emotional toll can be heavy, especially if cycles don’t work the first or second time. But for many, this is the only path forward. And in India, where access to fertility clinics is growing fast in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, more people are turning to these injections with hope and careful planning.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real stories and facts about fertility treatments—how IVF cycles add up, what happens when donor eggs are used, and how genetics shape outcomes. You’ll also see how these injections connect to broader topics like mental health, recovery, and the science behind conception. No fluff. Just what you need to know before you start, during, or after your journey.