Injectable FSH Calendar

Sample calendar for an injectable FSH cycle. These infertility treatment cycles are often referred to as controlled ovarian stimulation (or, hyperstimulation) cycles. Injectable FSH products are also referred to as HMG, human menopausal gonadotropins, or gonadotropins. Brand names for these drugs (hormones) in the USA include Pergonal, Follistim, Gonal-F, Repronex and Humegon.

A sample showing the days medications are taken and approximate timing of the monitoring of ovarian stimulation and intrauterine insemination procedure.

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Menstrual period starts

Baseline blood and ultrasound

Day 1 of stimulation

Start FSH shots

Day 2 of stimulation

FSH shot

Day 3 of stimulation

FSH shot

Day 4 of stimulation

FSH shot

Blood and ultrasound

Day 5 of stimulation

FSH shot

Day 6 of stimulation

FSH shot

Blood and ultrasound

Day 7 of stimulation

FSH shot

Day 8 of stimulation

Stimulation is done - HCG "trigger" shot given in evening

Insemination (or timed intercourse) in morning

Key to table:

Blood and ultrasound = blood test for hormone levels and transvaginal ultrasound to measure follicle development in ovaries

FSH = subcutaneous injection of a medication containing follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), which causes follicles containing eggs to develop in the ovaries.

HCG "trigger" shot = injection of a medication called HCG, which causes the eggs to complete the maturation process. This is taken only once in the cycle. Release of the eggs should occur about 36-46 hours after the shot.

Note:

The calendar shown above is an example of how the cycle stimulation may evolve. However, some women will need to be monitored more often than shown above. Particularly if they have polycystic ovaries and irregular menstrual cycles.

The duration of stimulation is usually about 8 days, but ranges from about 5 days to about 14 or more days.

Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago

Gurnee, IL Crystal Lake, IL
(847) 662-1818 (815) 356-1818