IVF Injections: What They Are, How They Work, and What to Expect

When you start IVF injections, hormone shots used to stimulate egg production during in vitro fertilization. Also known as fertility drugs, these are not optional extras—they’re the foundation of every IVF cycle. Without them, eggs won’t mature enough to be retrieved, and the whole process stops before it begins. In India, where IVF is becoming more common but still carries stigma and financial strain, these injections are often the most talked-about—and most feared—part of treatment.

These injections aren’t one-size-fits-all. They include Gonadotropins, hormones like FSH and LH that trigger the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, GnRH agonists, used to prevent early ovulation, and hCG triggers, the final shot that tells eggs to mature before retrieval. Each has a specific role, and timing matters more than you’d think. Miss a shot by a few hours, and it can throw off the entire cycle. Many women in India report feeling like their lives are ruled by syringes and alarms—waking up at 5 a.m. to inject themselves before work, hiding needles in purses, and worrying about side effects like bloating, mood swings, or bruising.

The emotional weight of IVF injections is heavier than the physical burden. You’re not just injecting hormones—you’re injecting hope, fear, and uncertainty every single day. A study from Mumbai’s leading fertility clinic found that over 68% of women felt isolated during their injection phase, even when surrounded by support. It’s not the pain of the needle that breaks people down—it’s the silence around it. No one talks about how hard it is to explain to your boss why you need to leave early. Or how you avoid family dinners because you’re swollen and emotional. Or how you stare at the fridge where you store your vials, wondering if this month will be the one.

And yet, these injections work. They’ve helped thousands of couples in India become parents. But they’re not magic. They require discipline, access to reliable clinics, and sometimes, creative solutions—like sharing medication costs with other patients or traveling to smaller cities where prices are lower. The cost of a single cycle’s injections can run from ₹30,000 to ₹1,20,000, depending on brand and dosage. That’s why many turn to generic versions or ask their doctors for alternatives that still deliver results without the premium price tag.

What you won’t find in brochures is how messy it gets. The cold vials. The trembling hands. The guilt when you skip a dose because you’re too tired. The way your partner learns to give you shots even though they’ve never seen a needle before. The way you start counting days not by the calendar, but by injection schedules. This isn’t just medical treatment—it’s a lifestyle overhaul. And if you’re going through it, you’re not alone. The posts below share real stories from women in India who’ve been there: the good days, the bad days, the moments they wanted to quit, and the ones that made it all worth it.