Contents
- What is the egg-freezing trigger shot?
- What does a trigger shot do?
- What are the types of trigger shot?
- When is egg retrieval after the trigger shot?
- Common hCG trigger shot mistakes to avoid
- Tips for administering the trigger shot
- Side effects of the trigger shot
- Think egg freezing, think Amilis
- Frequently asked questions
In an eggshell...
- The egg-freezing trigger shot is a hormone shot given the day before egg retrieval
- The trigger shot helps time the egg retrieval and helps mature the eggs as well
- While injecting the trigger shot, make sure you get the timing right, ice the site of injection, store it properly and reach out to your clinic in case of any questions
The egg-freezing trigger shot has a simple job description, but it plays a key role in the process.
During a cycle, you are medicated to ensure that your ovaries grow multiple follicles, and thus eggs are retrieved and frozen.
And while the eggs are nearing the finish line, the trigger shot is what gives them the final push to be mature and ready for the egg collection procedure.
AKA, the medical equivalent of lights, camera and action 🎬
But, there’s more to it than meets the eye. In this article, we’ll take you through how it works, the types, common mistakes to avoid and the best tips to administer your trigger shot.
Let’s dive in!
What is the egg-freezing trigger shot?
The egg-freezing trigger shot is a hormone shot given the day before egg retrieval. This shot mimics our natural hormonal surge, leading to egg maturation and release.
Picture this: During our natural menstrual cycle, one egg is normally released. Right before its release, there’s a surge in Luteinizing hormone (LH), which helps with ovulation or egg release.
However, during an egg-freezing cycle, multiple follicles, and thus eggs, are grown due to the medications involved. With excess follicles comes a surplus of hormones, which in turn suppress our natural LH surge.
Hence, the trigger shot works as a replacement by helping mature the eggs and time the egg collection procedure accordingly.
What does a trigger shot do?
The aim of the trigger shot is to help with egg development and maturation within ovaries while timing it all effectively with the retrieval procedure. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Helps resume cell division
The trigger shot helps resume meiosis, which is needed for your egg cell to go from 46 chromosomes to 23. This is essential so it can combine with the other 23 chromosomes from the sperm to create an embryo.
2. Helps with follicle growth before retrieval
The trigger shot is usually given once the follicles reach a desired size (16-22mm) which is most likely to indicate mature eggs. But if there are follicles that aren’t that size yet, the trigger shot may help them catch up.
3. Helps time the egg retrieval
The trigger shot is usually given 36 hours before the egg retrieval, helping doctors time the procedure effectively to retrieve the mature eggs from the follicles.
What are the types of trigger shots?
There are different types of trigger shots administered, based on your medical history and stimulation cycle:
1. hCG
hCG has the same effect in the body as Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and hence is used as a replacement. Common brands in the UK include Choragon, Ovitrelle and Pregnyl.
2. GnRH agonist
The GnRH agonist trigger is an alternative to hCG which causes a rise in both Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This has the same effect and carries less risk compared to hCG. Common brands in the UK include Prostap (Leuprolin acetate) and Zoladex (Gosarelin acetate).
Infact, the GnRH agonist trigger may also have some advantages such as better egg maturation, and reduced ovarian volume and discomfort, making it one of the best options during egg-freezing cycles.
3. Dual trigger
The dual trigger is essentially a combination of the hCG and GnRH agonist trigger. This is when the GnRH agonist trigger is given 40 hours before egg collection and the hCG trigger is given 6 hours after the GnRha trigger.
This leads to a reduced dose of hCG and thus reduced risk for OHSS. On the other hand, including GnRHa can help with egg maturation. This can help patients who have had immature eggs during previous egg-freezing cycles.
How is the trigger shot injected?
The trigger shot can be a subcutaneous shot (given under the fatty tissue of the skin) or intramuscular (into the muscles). You can visit the clinic at the specified time to have a nurse inject the trigger shot, or you can also follow the instructions from your clinic to administer it yourself, at home.
When is egg retrieval after the trigger shot?
The egg retrieval is timed exactly 34-36 hours after the trigger shot. This timing ensures that the eggs are mature and ready to be collected and sent to the lab for freezing.
Common hCG trigger shot mistakes to avoid
The trigger shot is similar to the other medications you take during your cycle. But here are some common concerns to look out for:
Re-check the timing
Injecting the shot at the right time can affect how your egg-freezing cycle goes. Hence, set alarms, re-check and confirm the timing prior to injecting the trigger.
Improper storage
Like the other medications, your trigger shot will also have specific instructions for storage. Follow the storage instructions carefully until the day of administration.
Incorrect injection site
Make sure to follow your clinic instructions on the site of administering the trigger shot. Based on whether it’s subcutaneous or intramuscular, the injection site is decided.
Don’t hold onto questions
Even if it’s the smallest question, ask. Given that the trigger shot is essential for your egg retrieval to go well, you’re kind of at the finish line! Make sure to reach out to your doctor or nurse about any questions you may have and avoid any unintended errors.
Tips for administering the trigger shot
If you’re someone who’s worried about needles or about administering it, here are some quick tips that might help:
- If you have any appointments before the trigger shot, have the clinic nurses mark injection locations, which makes it easier during the shot
- Set some alarms! ⏰The trigger shot needs a bit of preparation, so make sure your alarm is a bit prior, so you’re prepared and inject it at the right time
- If it helps, ice the area before and after the procedure for 5-10 minutes 🧊
- And last but not least, relax😮💨To take some of the stress off, you can also get a family member or loved one to inject it
Also, cheer for yourself! This is also the last of the medication, with the next step being retrieval and recovery!
Side effects of the trigger shot
Here are some side effects to keep an eye out for:
Injection site reactions
Redness, or swelling at the injection site
Hormonal side effects
Breast tenderness, mild abdominal discomfort and mild bloating are some commonly reported side effects of the trigger shot
OHSS
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome is an uncommon side effect where there is a hyper-response to medication. In fact, the type of trigger shot can be a risk factor for OHSS. The hCG trigger’s effect stays in the body for around 38 hours, increasing the risk of OHSS in some patients.
Hence, in high-risk patients having PCOS, endometriosis, and so on, the hCG trigger is replaced by another, known as the GnRH trigger.
If there are any mild side effects, they usually resolve on their own. But if you are facing side effects such as shortness of breath, consistent abdominal pain, nausea, pelvic pain, or any allergic reactions, it’s best to keep your healthcare provider informed to resolve symptoms.
Think egg freezing, think Amilis
The trigger shot is just one part of your egg-freezing cycle. But as with every other part, it plays a key role in the success of your cycle.
And we bring you the deets on all things egg freezing, to help you get a step closer to making the right decision for your future fertility.
If you're considering egg freezing or just curious about your fertility, here’s how Amilis can help:
- Affordable AMH tests in the UK (50% less than private clinics!)
- Free 1-1 consultations with Amilis experts (have questions on your fertility or egg freezing? Get them all answered!)
- Free consultations with top, vetted fertility clinics in London (chat with a fertility specialist, with zero appointment fees)
If you’re not there yet, there’s still a personalised egg-freezing quiz that you can take to get started.
We’re here to help you care for your reproductive health, on your own terms 🫶
We’ve got your back ❤️
Frequently asked questions
1. How long does the trigger shot last?
The trigger shot’s effects in the body last for 4-5 days, if a hCG trigger is used. The GnRH agonist trigger is short-lived and lasts for 24-36 hours.
2. What if I miss my trigger shot?
If you happen to miss your trigger shot timing, contact the clinic immediately as they may be able to schedule the retrieval later on or suggest another course of action.
3. How do you know if the hCG trigger shot worked?
To know if the trigger shot worked, the fertility clinic will monitor follicle development before the trigger and hormonal levels after the trigger to check the trigger response before the egg collection procedure.
4. What happens after the trigger shot?
After the trigger shot, the eggs mature within the follicles and are ready to be released. The egg collection is hence timed accordingly to retrieve the mature eggs before they ovulate within ovaries.
