IVF Medications: Your complete guide to fertility treatment medications
by Ariadni Kantartzi, last updated 27 Jan 2025,
3 min read
Starting your IVF journey can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to medications. Let's break down everything you need to know about IVF medications in a way that's easy to understand. After all, knowledge is power, and being well-informed can help you feel more confident about your treatment journey.
Your medication per each step
Think of IVF medications as your faithful allies in this journey. Each one plays a specific and crucial role in helping you achieve your dream of having a baby.
The Egg Boosters
Your first introduction will likely be to ovarian stimulation medications. These powerful helpers, such as Folic Acid, Gonal-F, and Menopur, work to encourage your ovaries to stimulate multiple eggs to grow instead of just one that will happen in a natural cycle. It's like giving your ovaries a gentle nudge to work overtime, maximizing your chances of success.
The Timing Guards
Next up are medications that prevent premature ovulation. These include GnRH agonists and antagonists, which act like careful orchestrators, ensuring your eggs don't release too early. They help us maintain perfect control over your treatment timeline.
The Final Sprint
The trigger shot is your final medication milestone. Given precisely 36 hours before egg retrieval, it's the signal that tells your eggs it's time for the final maturation sprint.

What to Expect: The Reality Check
Let's be honest – your body will notice these medications. You might experience some physical changes, like feeling bloated or tired. Some women report headaches or breast tenderness. These are all normal responses to the hormonal changes happening in your body.
Your emotions may also go on a roller coaster ride. Mood swings? Normal. Feeling more emotional than usual? That's perfectly natural too. Remember, these effects are temporary and part of the process.
Your treatment journey right before the egg collection
Think of your IVF medication schedule as a carefully choreographed dance. It starts with the preparation phase, where we might use birth control pills to optimize your cycle timing. Then comes the stimulation phase, where daily injections become part of your routine for about 8-14 days.
Your safety: Our priority
While IVF medications are generally safe, we believe in being proactive. We'll teach you everything about proper medication storage and administration. You'll become an expert at managing your medications, and we'll be right here to support you every step of the way.
When to Call Us
While side effects are expected, specific symptoms need immediate attention:
- Severe abdominal pain or excessive bloating
- Difficulty breathing
- Unusual weight gain
- Rashes or allergic reaction
Remember: You're not alone
At Newlife IVF Greece, we understand that starting IVF medications can feel daunting. That's why we're committed to providing comprehensive support throughout your journey. Your treatment plan is as unique as yours; we'll be here to guide you through every injection, side effect, and milestone.
The key to success is understanding that while IVF medications might seem complex at first, they're simply tools helping us achieve your dream of having a baby. With our expert team, you'll never have to figure things out alone.
Ready to start your IVF journey? We're here to answer all your questions and guide you through every step of the process. Your dream of having a baby is our priority, and we're here to make it happen with the highest level of care and support.

Ariadni Kantartzi, BSc