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In vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment cycle start instructions

Patient Education
Last reviewed
  • Store your IVF cycle medicines as instructed by the clinic and pharmacy, to keep their strength. Most IVF cycle medicines must be stored between 37° Fahrenheit to 77° Fahrenheit (37° F to 77° F). 
    • Except for Microdose Flare Leuprolide (diluted leuprolide), Cetrotide, Follistim/Gonal-F, and Lupron trigger. These should be kept in the refrigerator.
  • Give your injections (shots) at the same time each day. Late afternoon or evening is best, unless you are told to give in the morning.
    • Give it right away after mixing. 
    • You can change the time by no more than 2 hours earlier or later than the time the shot was given the day before if needed. 
    • Give your trigger shot(s) at the time you are told. Do not change this time.
  • University of Iowa Health Care cannot get rid of used needles and syringes. Call your trash or public health department to learn more.
    • Put used needles and syringes in a sharps or puncture-proof container, such as a liquid detergent bottle or coffee can.
  • Use condoms during intercourse starting on stimulation day 6. 
  • The male partner should have 2 to 7 days of no ejaculation before egg retrieval. This will give the best number of normal sperm movement on the day of egg retrieval.   
  • You may take acetaminophen (Tylenol®) at any time if needed for pain.  
    • You can take ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) and naproxen (Aleve®) during stimulation. Stop this on the day of your hCG or “trigger” shot day. This is 2 days before retrieval. 
    • Tylenol is preferred after that.
    • If you take low dose aspirin, stop during stimulation. You may restart the day after retrieval. 
  • Take a multivitamin with no more than 100% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamins and minerals. 
    • This will have 400 mcg (0.4 mg) of folic acid. This is needed for fetal growth and development. 
    • You may take up to 4 mg folic acid a day if your IVF doctor has told you to do so. 
  • Do not have alcohol, nicotine, or drugs starting the day of your stimulation until after your pregnancy test.
    • Do not use the above until after delivery if you become pregnant.
  • Seek care with your family doctor if you become ill during your IVF treatment cycle. 
    • Call the IVF clinic if you are prescribed new medicine.
  • You do not have any lifting or activity restrictions.  Be careful if you have discomfort.
    • Do not do any activity that causes discomfort.