Antagonist IVF Protocol Sample Calendar
In Vitro Fertilization Protocol Using Ganirelix or Cetrotide

Page author Richard Sherbahn MD

Key to antagonist IVF schedule:

Blood and ultrasound = blood test for IVF hormone values (estrogen levels in IVF stimulation are important) and transvaginal ultrasound to measure the follicle sizes in the ovaries. These visits usually take about 20-30 minutes in our offices and can be scheduled as early as 6:30AM.

Ganirelix = subcutaneous injection of a medication (GnRH antagonist). This drug is taken once daily starting on about day 6 of stimulation.

Stim = ovarian stimulation. Involves subcutaneous injection of a medication containing follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), which causes multiple follicles containing eggs to develop in the ovaries. Ovarian stimulation usually lasts about 8-11 days.

HCG injection = subcutaneous or intramuscular injection of a medication called HCG, which causes the eggs to complete the maturation process. This is taken only once in the cycle.

Progesterone = vaginal cream or suppositories or intramuscular injection of a medication (female hormone) called progesterone. This drug helps to prepare a receptive uterine lining for embryo implantation.

Egg retrieval procedure = procedure to get eggs from the ovaries

Embryo transfer procedure = procedure to put embryos in the uterus

• The example above is a fairly typical IVF cycle.
• Most patients will need 4 visits for monitoring the stimulation (shown as "Blood and Ultrasound" on the calendar) before the HCG trigger shot.
• Some women will need only 3 monitoring visits and some may require 5 or even 6 visits.
• It depends on the woman's response to the ovarian stimulating medications.

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