Going through infertility treatment is a stressful experience. With the number of medications you will be taking, it can be difficult to determine what is normal and what is not. Of course, it is imperative that you run all side effects by your physician or nursing staff, as they are the best people to help you determine whether what you are experiencing needs to be addressed.
Gonadotropins
Gonadotropins are medications that are taken by injection to help stimulate the ovaries and produce multiple egg follicles. They are used both in insemination cycles and in higher doses, in vitro fertilization. Side effects include bloating, irritability/mood swings, and slight weight gain. Some women experience headaches or hot flashes while taking Lupron, a medication used to prevent ovulation before the egg retrieval. While these side effects are quite common, they should be reported to your doctor. Sometimes extreme bloating or weight gain can signal a more serious problem.
Ovidrel/hCG
Your trigger shot, usually a form of hCG such as Ovidrel or Novarel, will prepare your body to ovulate. It is typically administered right before your insemination or egg retrieval. Most women don't experience any side effects from this injection, though some women do have some cramping. This is usually a result of ovulation, and not a direct side effect of the medication.
