IVF Protocol Decoder

IVF SUPPORT · PROTOCOL LITERACY

IVF Protocol
Decoder

Understand exactly what each medication does, why your protocol was chosen, and what is happening in your body at every stage of your IVF cycle.

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4
main IVF protocol types
36 hrs
critical trigger-to-retrieval window
5–7 mm
minimum endometrial thickness for transfer
90 days
egg maturation cycle — prep matters

Why understanding your protocol matters

IVF is one of the most medically intensive experiences a person can go through — yet most patients receive their medication list with minimal explanation. Knowing what each injection does and why it is part of your protocol transforms you from a passive recipient into an active participant in your care.

This guide explains every major IVF protocol and medication in plain physiological terms. It is designed to be read alongside your personalised protocol from your reproductive endocrinologist — not as a replacement for their guidance, but as a tool to help you ask better questions and understand the answers.

Clinical note: Supplement doses and nutritional support during IVF should be confirmed with your B.Nourishd practitioner, particularly during stimulation and the luteal phase. Some supplements interact with IVF medications or affect hormone levels.

PROTOCOL EXPLORER

The Four Main IVF Protocols

Select a protocol to see its phases, how it works, and who it is suited for.

Most Common

Short Antagonist Protocol

10–14 days
total duration

The most widely used IVF protocol in Australia. Stimulation starts on Day 2–3 of your cycle. A GnRH antagonist is added mid-stimulation to prevent premature ovulation. Flexible, lower risk of OHSS, and suitable for most patients.

PHASE BY PHASE

1
Baseline scanDay 2–3

Ultrasound and blood tests confirm your ovaries are quiet and ready. AFC (antral follicle count) guides your starting FSH dose.

2
Stimulation beginsDay 2–3

Daily FSH injections (Gonal-F, Menopur, or Bemfola) stimulate multiple follicles to grow simultaneously. Your body's own LH is still active at this stage.

3
Antagonist addedDay 5–7

Once the lead follicle reaches ~14 mm, a GnRH antagonist (Orgalutran/Cetrotide) is added. This blocks the LH surge that would otherwise trigger premature ovulation.

4
Monitoring scansDays 6–12

Transvaginal ultrasound every 1–2 days measures follicle size and number. Blood oestradiol levels confirm follicle activity. Dose is adjusted based on response.

5
Trigger injectionDay 10–14

When 3+ follicles reach ≥17–18 mm, the trigger shot (HCG or GnRH agonist) is given. This initiates the final maturation of eggs. Timing is critical — retrieval is exactly 36 hours later.

6
Egg retrieval36 hrs post-trigger

Eggs are collected under light sedation via transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration. The procedure takes 15–20 minutes.

SUITED FOR

Normal or high ovarian reserveFirst IVF cyclePCOS (lower OHSS risk than long protocol)Freeze-all cycles

MEDICATION MAP

What Each Drug Actually Does

Select a category to see each medication, its physiological mechanism, and when it is used.

QUICK REFERENCE

Brand Name Decoder

Every medication you may encounter in an IVF cycle — what it is and what it does.

Brand NameGeneric NameTypeUsed In
Gonal-FFollitropin alfaFSH stimulantAll stimulation protocols
BemfolaFollitropin alfa (biosimilar)FSH stimulantAll stimulation protocols
MenopurMenotrophin (FSH + LH)FSH + LH stimulantAll stimulation protocols
LuverisLutropin alfaLH supplementPoor responders, LH deficiency
OrgalutranGanirelixGnRH antagonistShort antagonist protocol
CetrotideCetrorelixGnRH antagonistShort antagonist protocol
LucrinLeuprolide acetateGnRH agonistLong protocol (down-reg) or trigger
SynarelNafarelinGnRH agonist (nasal)Long protocol down-regulation
OvidrelChoriogonadotropin alfa (rHCG)TriggerAll protocols
PregnylHuman chorionic gonadotropin (uHCG)TriggerAll protocols
Crinone 8%Progesterone gelLuteal supportPost-retrieval, FET
UtrogestanMicronised progesteroneLuteal supportPost-retrieval, FET
ProgynovaOestradiol valerateOestrogen (FET)FET cycles
EstradotTransdermal oestradiol patchOestrogen (FET)FET cycles
DexamethasoneCorticosteroidImmune modulationSome immune protocols
PrednisoloneCorticosteroidImmune modulationSome immune protocols
ClexaneEnoxaparin (LMWH)AnticoagulantThrombophilia, some immune protocols
Aspirin (low dose)Acetylsalicylic acidAntiplateletSome immune / implantation protocols
IVF Protocol Decoder — Quick Reference
One-page PDF cheat sheet · Supplement doses, food priorities & action steps
Download PDF

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR CLINIC

Your IVF Cycle Checklist

Use this checklist to track the questions you have asked and the information you have confirmed with your clinic.

0 of 23 items confirmed

Before Your Cycle

Write down the name of your protocol and ask your clinic why it was chosen for you
List every medication prescribed — confirm the generic name and what category it belongs to
Ask your clinic: what is my target follicle count and size before trigger?
Ask: will I have a fresh transfer or freeze-all? Why?
Confirm your trigger injection time and set two alarms — timing is critical
Understand your monitoring schedule — how many scans, and what are they looking for?

During Stimulation

Track your injection times — aim for the same time each day (±1 hour)
Note any symptoms: bloating, pelvic pressure, mood changes — report significant changes
Attend all monitoring scans — dose adjustments depend on your response
Stay well hydrated — 2–3 L of fluid daily during stimulation
Avoid strenuous exercise once follicles are growing (ovarian torsion risk)
Ask at each scan: how many follicles, what size, and is my dose being adjusted?

Trigger & Retrieval

Confirm your exact trigger time with the clinic — retrieval is 36 hours later
Fast from midnight before retrieval (no food, water, or medications unless instructed)
Arrange a driver — you will be sedated and cannot drive home
Ask the embryologist: how many eggs retrieved, how many were mature (MII)?
Ask: will fertilisation be conventional IVF or ICSI? Why?

After Retrieval / FET

Start luteal support medications exactly as instructed — do not skip doses
For FET: confirm your progesterone start date and transfer day calculation
Ask: what embryo grade are you transferring, and what does the grading mean?
Understand the beta HCG test date — this is the first pregnancy blood test
If pregnant: ask when oestrogen and progesterone support can be weaned
If cycle unsuccessful: request a debrief — ask what can be optimised next cycle