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Going through the process of IVF treatments can be overwhelming, especially with the numerous IVF injections you have been introduced to. One such important injection is the Lupride (leuprolide) injection, which has revolutionized IVF protocols in Chennai.
At Unittas Hospitals, Dr. Anjana achieves 40% higher success using optimized Lupride protocols ensuring that you are a step closer toward your dream of becoming a parent. In this blog, we hope to make this easier for you by giving you all the information you need about taking Lupride injection, uses of Lupride injection, how to administer it, why is it prescribed for IVF, its side effects, cost and more! By the end, you'll feel more confident discussing Lupride as part of your IVF plan.
What is Lupride Injection?
Before jumping right into the Lupride injection protocol, it is crucial to understand the function of the injection and why is it used. Lupride injection depot is a type of medication that uses GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone) agonist. This is then directly released on the brain's hormone center or the pituitary gland, to control the release of the two main fertility hormones, FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone).
Lupride injection uses in IVF is primarily for regulating these hormones, where Lupride creates a "controlled pause". This controlled pause aids the doctor during IVF treatment as it controls the hormones, prevents premature ovulation and creates a more predictable environment for egg retrieval and embryo transfer.
How is Lupride Work in IVF?
During normal cycles, the pituitary gland sends out signals and releases the two main fertility hormones, FSH and LH to release eggs and begins ovulation. However, when Lupride injection enters the body, it overstimulates the GnRH receptors, creating an initial flare up for the first 5-7 days where LH and FSH levels increase.
Then, the body enters a suppression phase where the receptors get desensitised, leading to the suppression of the two fertility hormones and "quiets down" the ovaries and prevents production of premature eggs. This enables the fertility specialist to engage in ovarian stimulations like Gonal-F injections or Menopur injection medications to proceed with the IVF treatment.
Lupride Injection Uses in IVF Treatment
In simple words, Lupride injection uses in IVF mainly include:
- Preventing premature ovulation
- Synchronising follicle growth
- Supporting poor responders
- Managing endometriosis or adenomyosis
- Improving endometrial receptivity
Lupride Protocols at Unittas
Before beginning the process of Lupride injection, it is crucial to know which is the right protocol for the patient. Luckily, Dr. Anjana at Unittas Hospital has over 15 years of experience to help patients determine the right protocol for their IVF treatment needs. Here are some of the main Lupride injection protocols:
🏆 Long Lupride Protocol IVF (Gold Standard)
- Start: Day 21 of previous cycle
- How administered: Daily injections, continue until suppression confirmed, then begin stimulation
- Dose: 0.5 mg daily subcutaneous
- Duration: 14-20 days before stimulation
- Best for: Patients who need precise control over hormonal levels; those with history of cycle cancellation
- Success rate: 65% clinical pregnancy
⚡ Short Lupride Protocol
- Start: Day 2 or 3 of cycle
- How administered: Lupride may be used in a micro-dose or with a "flare" effect before full suppression
- Dose: 0.5 mg daily
- Duration: Until stimulation phase is complete (contact physician for more accurate dates)
- Best for: Poor responders, age >38, those with low ovarian reserve
- Success rate: 55%
🌟 Ultra-Long Protocol
- Start: 2-3 months before IVF stimulation
- How administered: Depot injection (intramuscular)
- Dose: 3.75 mg monthly (2-3 doses)
- Duration: 2-3 months
- Best for: Endometriosis, adenomyosis
- Success rate: 70% in endometriosis
💊 Micro-dose Flare Protocol
- Start: Day 2 of cycle
- How administered: Subcutaneous, very small doses
- Dose: 20-40 mcg twice daily (varies per clinic)
- Duration: Throughout stimulation until trigger
- Best for: Women with very poor ovarian reserve or previous failed cycles
- Success rate: 40-45%
Why Choose Lupride Over Antagonists?
| Factor | Lupride | Antagonist |
|---|---|---|
| Egg quality | Superior | Good |
| Cost | ₹4,000-6,000 | ₹8,000-12,000 |
| Flexibility | Less | More |
| Endometrial receptivity | Excellent | Good |
Lupride Injection Side Effects Women
While undergoing major bodily changes, it is pivotal to know the side effects that might induce mild to moderate discomfort. Be assured that most of the side effects are easily manageable, temporary and can also be monitored closely if doctor's intervention is needed. So, here are some common side effects for women after Lupride injection usage:
Common Side Effects:
- Initial flare (days 1-7): Hot flashes, headaches, fatigue, sometimes acne
- Suppression phase: Menopausal symptoms
- Management: Symptom-specific treatment
Less Common Side Effects to Monitor:
- Bone mineral density impact if suppression is prolonged
- Emotional/psychological discomfort due to hormone changes
- Possible delay in cycle start, more injections and clinic visits
🏥 Expert Support at Unittas Hospital
As you can see there are Lupride injection uses that brings together their IVF treatment journey to ensure optimal results, especially for those who have previously faced issues such as previous cycles cancelled, irregular responses or conditions like endometriosis. We understand that this can be an overwhelming process, but you are not alone.
You will be fully supported by our expert, Dr. Anjana, who has over 15 years of experience and has witnessed several Lupride injection success stories.
Book Consultation TodayFAQs About Lupride Injection Uses in IVF
Q1: Why start on Day 21?
+Ensures complete pituitary suppression before next cycle. Starting on Day 21 allows the medication to work through the luteal phase and achieve optimal suppression before stimulation begins.
Q2: Can I travel on Lupride?
+Yes, with cool storage and Dr. Anjana's travel letter. Lupride must be stored at 2-8°C, so you'll need a cooling bag and documentation for airport security.
Q3: Missed dose what to do?
+Take when remembered; call if >12 hours late. Consistency is important for maintaining suppression, so contact the clinic for guidance on adjusting your schedule if significantly delayed.
Q4: Why initial worsening?
+"Flare effect" is normal and indicates it's working. The initial stimulation of receptors causes a temporary increase in hormones before suppression begins.
Q5: Is Lupride better than Cetrotide?
+Both have advantages; Dr. Anjana chooses based on your profile. Lupride offers better egg quality and endometrial receptivity, while Cetrotide provides more flexibility and shorter treatment duration.
Q6: Does Lupride have any long-term effects?
+Short-term: hot flashes, etc. Long-term suppression (months) may affect bone density. Doctors may use "add-back" hormone therapy if needed to protect bone health during extended treatment.
Start Your Optimized Lupride Protocol
Visit Unittas Hospital today and book a consultation with Dr. Anjana and find out the best protocol for you to become healthy parents!