Will I feel ovulation after the trigger shot?

Some women feel mild cramping or pelvic pressure as the ovaries release the eggs; others never feel anything at all. Both are said to be truly normal.

Can I get pregnant naturally after a trigger shot?

Yes. If you are attempting timed intercourse, the injection will time the release of the egg so that it will meet sperm more easily.

What should I avoid after a trigger shot?

Do not use any alcohol, smoke, or high-intensity exercise. These can affect ovulation and egg quality. Instead, focus on rest, hydration, and following your doctor's instructions.

What to Expect After Getting a Trigger Shot

If you've undergone several steps of fertility treatment in your conception journey and still haven't gotten results, your doctor may recommend a "trigger shot." It may make you nervous and curious about your fertility. It is a common part of fertility treatments like IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) or IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation). It helps your eggs complete their final stage of maturity and prepares your body for ovulation. But once you take it, you'll want to know: What changes should I expect? When will ovulation happen? What side effects might I feel?

What is a Trigger Shot?

A trigger shot is an injection of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), and occasionally, leuprolide (Lupron) is used. These hormones mimic the effects of the body's natural luteinising hormone (LH). This hormone is responsible for releasing a mature egg from the ovary.
In fertility treatments, ovulation timing is critical. The trigger shot helps your doctor control this timing so that procedures like IUI or egg retrieval for IVF can be done at the perfect moment.

When Does Ovulation Occur After a Trigger Shot?

Generally, ovulation will occur after you have had the shot within 24 to 36 hours after the injection.
This is the reason why your doctor will likely plan your procedure (IUI, IVF egg retrieval, or timed intercourse) within this window so that the eggs are mature and waiting to be fertilised at the appropriate time.

What Physical Symptoms Can You Expect?

Once you have had your trigger shot, your body begins responding to the hormone, some of those changes being:

Mild bloating or abdominal fullness: Your ovaries will be preparing for the release of eggs.
Tender breasts: Hormonal changes can make your breasts feel sore as they usually do before a period.
Mood changes: Suddenly, the hormone's effect can make some people very emotional.
Pelvic discomfort and cramping: Your ovaries are reacting to the medication and getting ready to ovulate.
Fatigue: Changes in hormone levels can induce fatigue in some people.

Most of the symptoms are mild and temporary, indicating that the body is responding to treatment.

Can the Trigger Shot Cause Side Effects?

Yes, there are. However, side effects may differ from person to person. Some may not notice much discomfort, whereas others do observe increased sensitivity. Some of the side effects that occur commonly are:

Headaches
Nausea or mild vomiting
Mild swelling in the ankles or hands
Soreness at the injection site (which may include redness, itching, or mild pain at the spot of the shot)

These typically resolve in just a few days. But should you have severe abdominal pain, rapid weight gain, or shortness of breath, call your doctor immediately, as these could be signs of OHSS, or Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome.

How the Trigger Shot Affects Pregnancy Tests

One very important point to remember:
Since the trigger shot has hCG that pregnancy tests detect, testing from home too soon after the injection could yield a false positive result.
When could you test?

The trigger shot takes 10 to 14 days to vanish from your system completely.
Early testing may not be right in terms of results.

That said, your doctor will tell you when it is best to take a pregnancy test to get reliable results.

How the Trigger Shot Fits Into Fertility Treatment

With your treatment plan, the roles played by the trigger shots vary slightly:

In IUI, it ensures that ovulation occurs at the exact time when sperm are placed in the uterus.
In IVF, it helps with egg maturation and egg retrieval, when doctors time the egg collection carefully after the trigger shot to obtain the best possible eggs.
In timed intercourse cycles, it identifies the time frame within which ovulation is set to occur, so that intercourse may be timed accordingly to the most fertile moment.

Emotional Expectations After the Trigger Shot

Alongside the emotional ups and downs, you may also experience physical symptoms. The period of know-wait following that injection can be highly stressful. You might feel anxious, hopeful, or even quite frustrated.
These emotions are absolutely okay. Keep in mind that the path of fertility treatment involves not only physical changes but also emotional experiences. Having healthy conversations with your partner, close friends, or joining support groups can make the journey easier.
Getting a trigger shot is an important step within the fertility journey. After you take it, ovulation generally happens within 24-36 hours, and meanwhile, you can experience some side effects such as bloating, breast tenderness, or mood swings. The shot can probably make the results of pregnancy tests inaccurate, so wait until the time is right to take a test.
So with that knowledge, you are well prepared to approach this step with confidence and clarity. A trigger shot may feel like just another injection, and in a way, it is. However, it plays one of the most important roles in boosting the chances of conception.
Whether you’re trying to conceive or navigating IVF, you’re not alone. Join our supportive communities to connect, share, and find strength with others on the same journey.

FAQs on What to Expect After Getting a Trigger Shot

Will I feel ovulation after the trigger shot?
Some women feel mild cramping or pelvic pressure as the ovaries release the eggs; others never feel anything at all. Both are said to be truly normal.
Can I get pregnant naturally after a trigger shot?
Yes. If you are attempting timed intercourse, the injection will time the release of the egg so that it will meet sperm more easily.
What should I avoid after a trigger shot?
Do not use any alcohol, smoke, or high-intensity exercise. These can affect ovulation and egg quality. Instead, focus on rest, hydration, and following your doctor's instructions.