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The trigger shot is the most critical injection while undergoing IVF treatment. While every injection at every step of the treatment process is pivotal, the trigger shot injection plays an important role in ensuring complete maturation of the eggs before retrieval, often known as the "final step" in the treatment.
It is natural to feel anxious in choosing the right specialty to undertake this very crucial procedure. We are here to elevate your concerns at Unittas IVF Chennai where all your fertility needs are carefully taken care of with Dr. Anjana's protocols that prevent 98% of cycle cancellations.
If you are feeling lost right now, do not worry; you have come to the right place. This blog on trigger shot injection, IVF trigger shot timing and how it works will clear all your doubts about undertaking an IVF treatment in Chennai at Unittas Hospitals.
What is Trigger Shot in IVF?
The trigger shot in IVF treatment is an injection that mimics the natural luteinizing hormone (LH) surge in a woman's body which causes eggs to mature and prepare for ovulation. In some cases where the surge does not occur naturally in a women's body, this injection is administered to them.
The IVF trigger injection ensures that:
- The eggs reach complete maturation
- Helps loosen the eggs from the follicle wall for easier retrieval
- Prevents premature ovulation by adhering to crucial timing
By replicating this natural process, the trigger injection allows the doctor to retrieve eggs at their peak stage of maturity, increasing the chances of fertilization and healthy embryo development.
Types of Trigger Injection in IVF
It is important to know that not all trigger shot injections are the same. Dr. Anjana personalises every patient's treatment plan depending on your individual needs, ovarian response and medical history, making sure that each patient gets the best treatment tailored to their needs.
The three main trigger shot IVF types are:
💉 HCG Trigger Shot (Standard)
- Medications: HuCOG, Ovidrel, Pregnyl
- Dose: 5,000-10,000 IU
- Success rate: 92%
🔬 GnRH Agonist Trigger
- Medications: Lupride, Decapeptyl
- Best for: OHSS risk patients
- Success rate: 88%
🎯 Dual Trigger IVF
- Combination: HCG + GnRH
- For: Previous poor maturation
- Success rate: 95%
IVF Trigger Shot Timing
The timing is the most crucial step to ascertain trigger shot IVF success. The eggs reach full maturation 36 hours after the injection. Since this is the most optimal time for retrieval, it is scheduled very precisely to ensure accurate results.
⏰ The 36-Hour Timeline
- Hour 0: Trigger injection is administered
- Hours 1-12: Initial changes occur
- Hours 12-24: Meiosis resumes (eggs progress towards maturity)
- Hours 24-35: Final maturation and preparation for retrieval
- Hour 36: Optimal retrieval window
- Hour 38+: Ovulation risk
Why Timing Matters
Taking the trigger shot at the wrong time can seriously affect IVF outcomes, which is why Dr. Anjana's precision protocols are pivotal to IVF treatment success:
- Too early: Eggs remain immature, reducing fertilization chances
- Too late: Eggs may ovulate naturally before retrieval, causing cycle failure
Checklist to Prepare for IVF Trigger Shot Timing
Before administering the trigger shot injection, Dr. Anjana will make sure that every patient has:
✅ Pre-Trigger Requirements
- Lead follicles 18-20 mm
- Multiple follicles >14 mm
- Estradiol appropriate
- Endometrium >7 mm
- No OHSS signs
Troubleshooting Issues
Despite ensuring all precautions and guidelines, it is better to keep an open mind about some possible timeline discrepancies one might face after getting trigger shot IVF:
| Time Delay | Action Required | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 15 min late | Usually okay | No adjustment needed |
| 30-60 min late | Call immediately | Minor adjustment possible |
| >2 hours | May adjust retrieval | Retrieval timing changed |
| Forgot completely | Emergency protocol | Immediate intervention |
📞 24/7 Support
Do not panic if such an occurrence happens. Dr Anjana always provides 24/7 on-call support for patients around trigger time ensuring no cycle is lost.
Trigger Shot IVF Success Rate
It is important to keep in mind that each individual body, cycle changes and medical history is different and predicts the probability of their IVF treatment. However, we can provide a basic trigger shot IVF success chances based on an average outcome provided the patient has strictly adhered to precise timing and monitoring:
- HCG triggers deliver mature eggs in more than 9 out of 10 cycles
- GnRH agonists are slightly lower in success but greatly reduce OHSS risks
- Dual triggers combine safety and efficacy, with nearly 95% success rates for egg maturity
Common Trigger Shot Side Effects and Safety
Common Side Effects
- Mild bloating
- Abdominal discomfort
- Injection site pain
Rare Side Effects
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
- Mostly linked with HCG trigger
- Reduced risk with GnRH trigger
🏥 Expert Timing, Exceptional Results
The trigger shot is your gateway to successful egg retrieval. With Dr. Anjana's precise protocols that prevent 98% of cycle cancellations, you're in the safest hands for this critical step.
Don't leave your trigger timing to chance. Get expert guidance and 24/7 support throughout your treatment.
Book Expert ConsultationFAQs About Trigger Shot IVF
Q1: What if I take the trigger shot at the wrong time?
+Contact Dr. Anjana immediately for retrieval adjustment. Quick action can often save the cycle by adjusting the retrieval timing accordingly.
Q2: Does it matter if I take the shot in the morning or night?
+No — what matters is the 36-hour rule, not the time of day. Whether you take it at 10 PM or 10 AM, the retrieval must be exactly 36 hours later.
Q3: Why do some patients get a dual trigger?
+It can improve egg maturation rates by 15-20% in women who previously had poor response. The dual trigger combines the benefits of both HCG and GnRH agonists.
Q4: Is the injection painful?
+Most patients report only mild discomfort (2-3/10 pain scale). Anxiety is usually worse than the actual injection. Ice the area beforehand to minimize discomfort.
Q5: Can my partner give me the injection?
+Yes, we provide training so partners can safely administer it. Many couples find this helps reduce anxiety and provides emotional support during this crucial step.
Perfect Your Trigger Timing
Join thousands of successful patients who achieved optimal egg retrieval with Dr. Anjana's precise trigger shot protocols.