IVF Antagonist Protocol

Your fertility doctor has determined that your IVF cycle will follow the IVF Antagonist Protocol. With this protocol, you will be given fertility drugs that will prevent you from ovulating prematurely during the stimulation phase of IVF. When you are ready to begin your IVF cycle, you will contact your doctor’s office to notify them of the first day your period begins (full flow rather than spotting).

Some IVF protocols call for patients to begin taking birth control pills. Birth control pills can be given for 14-21 days to prepare your body for the IVF process by regulating your ovarian hormones and preventing ovarian cysts. They are also beneficial in the timing of the process. Your doctor’s office will instruct you on which day to stop the birth control pills and when to return to their office for ultrasound and blood work (baseline visit).

Your fertility doctor will confirm whether or not you are ready to begin the next set of injections (to begin stimulation). The role of the Antagonist will begin around day 7 of the stimulation cycle. Due to the growth of your follicles and the large amounts of estrogen being released, there is the possibility of premature ovulation. To prevent this, the antagonist injection is begun and will continue daily until you take the hCG trigger shot.