Vienna In Vitro Center, Sofia, Bulgaria We can help In vitro fertilization (IVF) High dose stimulation for IVF

Controlled hormonal stimulation of the ovaries

In order to increase the rate of success, the ovaries are stimulated with hormones. For this purpose, a treatment with injections is necessary to increase the development of ovarian follicles. Several factors determine what kind of medications will be used and at which dose: age, weight, smoker / non-smoker, previous surgeries on the ovaries, ...

How long is the treatment?

The treatment with injections usually lasts 9 to 16 days on average depending on the stimulation protocol and how responsive you are to it. During this period, you will need to administer one to two injections s.c. (beneath the skin) on a daily basis. In rare cases you will need three or more. Thanks to modern injection appliances, you can easily do this at home (see picture on the right).

The ovaries' reaction to this treatment is monitored by ultrasound examinations. We would like to point out that there are large differences concerning the ovaries' reaction to the stimulation. The medication and its applied dosage are selected individually and with great care. Nevertheless problems with stimulation might occur.

In order to achieve the last phases in the egg cell maturation process, a special injection has to be applied 35 to 36 hours prior to the collection of egg cells. In case the patient accidentally delays injection for several hours or even a day: We need to be informed, as otherwise it might not be possible to collect any egg cells. Therefore, we need to be informed of this mishap prior to the beginning of the ovum pick-up.

What kind of problems can occur during this phase of the treatment?
Stimulation of multiple ovarian follicles can lead to the hypophysis releasing the body's own signal for ovulation too early, meaning the ovarian follicles could burst prematurely.

In order to avoid this, special medicines are used. This means a premature ovulation can be prevented with high certainty, but not with a 100% guarantee! Our institute can not be held liable for an absence of ovulation, even if this absence is only identified during the ovum pick-up. Even though the injection took place at the correct point in time and a premature ovulation did not occur: we cannot guarantee that we will be able to find egg cells during the procedure or that these egg cells are suitable for fertilization.