Introduction – What is the ice-triggering syringe?
The ovulation-triggering syringe contains the pregnancy hormone HCG (human choriogonadotropin). When the hormone is injected, it binds to certain receptors in the ovary, where it triggers ovulation after a short time. In women, the injection is particularly used in the treatment of infertility and in the context of artificial insemination.
Indications for an ovulation-initiating syringe
The ovulation-triggering syringe is mainly used in the context of fertility treatment. First, the ovaries are stimulated so that many eggs become as large as possible. After about 11-13 days, ovulation is then induced by the injection and just before ovulation would occur, the largest follicles are punctured to obtain eggs for artificial insemination.
Furthermore, the ovulation-triggering injection is used if sexual intercourse is to be timed to coincide with ovulation when a child is desired. A further indication is found when the corpus luteum phase is weak. Normally the formation of the corpus luteum hormone (progesterone) is stimulated by the hormone LH (lutenizing hormone).
If this control loop does not function optimally, the production of progesterone can be supported by the administration of HCG in the second half of the cycle. The ovulation-initiating syringe contains the hormone HCG. Colloquially it is called the pregnancy hormone, because the cells of the placenta produce it to maintain the pregnancy.
It is either a manufactured, i.e. synthetic hormone or it can also be extracted from the urine of pregnant women. In fertility treatment, HCG is injected to trigger ovulation after stimulation of the eggs. In the normal female cycle, ovulation is triggered by the hormone LH (lutenising hormone).
In fertility treatment, however, HCG is used because it binds to the same receptor on the ovary as LH. This has the same effect. About 36 hours after the administration of HCG, ovulation usually occurs.
Side effects of the ovulation-initiating injection
Headaches or local skin reactions at the injection site often occur during treatment with the ice-releasing syringe. Probably the most important side effect of the ovulation-triggering injection is ovarian hyperstimulation (OHSS, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome). It occurs particularly in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.
The stimulated follicles enlarge excessively, which can lead to abdominal discomfort. In mild cases, only a feeling of fullness is perceived. In moderately enlarged ovaries, nausea and vomiting may occur.
The abdomen is distended. In the most severe case of this side effect, ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdomen), a pleural effusion, in which fluid accumulates between the chest wall and the lungs, or a rupture, i.e. a tearing of the ovary, may occur. Especially this severe form can also be life-threatening due to the displacement of fluid.
Furthermore, an allergic reaction to the syringe is possible. The symptoms may be a skin rash, itching or swelling in the neck area. Occasionally, a harmless rash and inflammation of the sebaceous glands may also occur.
However, a possible allergic reaction should be clarified. Interactions with other drugs are not yet known. Nevertheless, it should be clarified before the treatment by a detailed discussion with the doctor, which medications are taken in parallel.
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