In this article:
What Is a Trigger Shot?
A trigger shot is an injection that helps your body release an egg at the right time during fertility treatment. Your doctor may combine this shot with other medicines to help your ovaries grow multiple mature eggs.Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is the common medication used in these trigger shots, but a hormone called leuprolide (Lupron) may be used as well in some situations. These hormones mimic your body’s natural luteinizing hormone (LH surge), which is responsible for the ovulation process.
Why Do You Need a Trigger Shot?
You may be aware that your body releases an egg every month during ovulation, which helps you conceive naturally. However, timing is crucial when you are undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilisation (IVF). It helps your doctor know exactly when you ovulate so that they can plan the insemination or egg retrieval accordingly.So, when you receive the trigger shot, it predicts the timing because ovulation happens within 36 to 40 hours after the injection. You can expect the following after receiving the shot.
- Helps your eggs mature properly
- Triggers ovulation at the right time
- Allows doctors to schedule procedures with accuracy
- Increases chances of pregnancy
How Does the Trigger Shot Work in the Body?
The following happens after you receive the trigger shot.- Egg Maturation: The hormones present in the shot force your eggs to grow before their release.
- Ovulation Signal: It mimics the body’s natural LH surge so that your ovary can release the egg.
- Egg Release: The mature egg leaves the follicle within 36 to 40 hours and is ready for fertilisation.
When Is the Trigger Shot Given?
Your doctor monitors your cycle to check the size and development of your follicles (the sacs that hold eggs) through ultrasounds and blood tests.Your doctor will schedule your trigger shot after the follicles grow to the right size (around 18 to 20 millimetres). The timing is critical because the success of IUI or IVF depends on it.
What to Expect When Taking the Trigger Shot
Most women feel nervous about giving an injection themselves. However, it is easy to administer a trigger shot after you understand the trick. It is given under the skin in your abdomen or thigh.You may experience the following changes after taking the shot, but they usually go away after a day or two.
- Mild bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Slight mood changes
- Injection site discomfort (like redness or swelling)
Does the Trigger Shot Guarantee Pregnancy?
Trigger shots are not an assured way to get pregnant. They only create the best conditions to help you achieve pregnancy by making sure eggs are available at the right time.Your chances of success depend on other factors as well.
- Your age
- Egg quality
- Sperm quality
- Underlying health conditions
Are There Any Side Effects?
The trigger shot can have some side effects, like with any medication.- Bloating or cramping
- Breast tenderness
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
How the Trigger Shot Fits Into Your Fertility Journey
In IUI, your doctor will administer the trigger shot to schedule the insemination about 24 to 36 hours later, when ovulation is expected.In IVF, the shot is crucial for removing the eggs on time, which happens before the egg is released naturally. It can be difficult to collect mature eggs without the risk of fertilisation in a lab.
In both these cases, the trigger shot helps your body prepare for one of the most critical steps in conception.
A trigger shot is an injection of hCG or leuprolide that is commonly recommended during fertility treatments. Its role is to help the eggs mature and to trigger ovulation within 36 to 40 hours, allowing doctors to plan procedures such as IUI or IVF with precision. While the shot can improve the chances of pregnancy, it does not provide a guarantee. Some women may also experience side effects like tenderness, bloating, or fatigue after taking it.
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 a Trigger Shot Does When Trying for a Baby
- Does everyone going through fertility treatment need a trigger shot?
Your treatment plan decides if you need a trigger shot or not. You may not need it if your cycles are natural and predictable. Your doctor will likely recommend it for accurate timing if you are undergoing IUI or IVF. - Can I give myself the trigger shot at home?
Many women can give the trigger shot themselves in the comfort of their home after understanding the instructions from their doctor. You need to give this shot under the skin of the thigh or abdomen. - How long after the trigger shot should I try to conceive naturally?
Ovulation happens 36 to 40 hours after administering the trigger shot. Your doctor may suggest scheduling intercourse during this time if you are trying naturally to conceive.
