Considering fertility treatments can feel overwhelming, especially when encountering terms like "Gonal-f" and "IUI" while experiencing unexplained infertility. If you're wondering what Gonal-f is, how it works, and why it's used in intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles, this guide will explain everything in simple terms.
From the process and preparation to benefits, risks, and common questions, you’ll get a clear understanding to help you navigate your fertility journey with confidence.
What is Gonal-f?
Gonal-f is a gonadotropin fertility drug that contains recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (r-FSH.) Gonadotropins, which are hormones like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH), are made by the pituitary gland and are important for helping your sex organs grow and work properly.
FSH plays an important part in egg and sperm production and regulates several reproductive processes for both men and women.
In women, FSH plays a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle and is vital for ovulation. At the beginning of the menstrual cycle, the pituitary gland produces FSH, which is then distributed throughout the body.
FSH stimulates ovarian follicles to grow and mature, each containing an egg. When a follicle reaches maturity, it releases an egg. One follicle typically matures and releases an egg during a normal ovulatory cycle.
However, in a cycle medicated with Gonal-f, several follicles might mature, potentially leading to the release of multiple eggs.
For men, FSH stimulates the production of sperm and maintains it until it is ready to be released.
How does Gonal-f stimulate ovulation?
Gonal-f works in two main ways:
Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation:
Gonal-f stimulates the ovary to produce multiple follicles and multiple eggs as part of a fertility treatment programme.
Ovulation induction
Gonal-f stimulates the ovaries of women with ovulatory issues to produce and release one or a few eggs.
Curious if you need to get an IUI with Gonal-f? Discuss with a fertility specialist to know the next best course of action for you. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.
Why is Gonal-f used in IUI cycles?
For women
Gonal-f is a fertility medication frequently prescribed alongside fertility treatments such as IUI, IVF, and egg freezing. This gonadotropin medication is particularly beneficial for inducing ovulation in women who haven't experienced success with other fertility drugs like clomiphene or letrozole.
Throughout your treatment cycle, you will receive multiple scheduled Gonal-f injections to elevate your follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. Elevated FSH promotes the development of multiple ovarian follicles and the maturation of several eggs, increasing the chances of fertilisation and pregnancy.
Once the eggs have matured, a "trigger shot" of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is administered to further stimulate ovulation.
Additionally, Gonal-f helps regulate the menstrual cycle, ensuring ovulation occurs at an optimal time for procedures like IUI.
You should also attend monitoring appointments during a Gonal-f cycle to assess follicle and egg development, allowing fertility specialists to make necessary medication adjustments.
These appointments help find the right time for fertility procedures like insemination or egg retrieval. They also help prevent problems like ovarian hyperstimulation.
For men
Gonal-f can also be used to induce spermatogenesis, especially in infertile men. Gonal-f helps treat male infertility by increasing the FSH levels in the body. As previously mentioned, FSH stimulates the production of sperm and maintains it until it is ready to be released.
Men's FSH levels are constant, so they can be tested at any time. If you undergo a semen analysis and your results indicate you have a low sperm count, your fertility doctor will likely recommend additional testing, including a blood test. If your blood test indicates your FSH level is low, then you may be a good candidate for Gonal-f treatment.
The Gonal-f IUI cycle: step-by-step
Treatment timeline
Your Gonal-f IUI cycle usually starts within the first few days of your menstrual period. From there, the treatment lasts roughly 7 to 14 days. During this time, your fertility team will carefully plan and closely monitor every step to see how your body is responding. This way, they can support you and give you the best possible chance for a successful cycle.
Daily injections
You will give yourself daily injections of Gonal-f, following the dosage and schedule provided by your fertility team.
Gonal-f dosing varies greatly from patient to patient. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions closely. The number of doses per day, the time between doses, and the length of time you take Gonal-f depend on what you are using the medication to treat and what fertility treatment you plan to undergo.
Gonal-f is prescribed at lower doses to patients with ovulatory issues, especially if you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), to lower the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation.
Monitoring progress
Throughout the cycle, regular ultrasounds and blood tests track follicle growth and hormone levels to adjust the treatment if necessary and avoid overstimulation.
The hCG trigger shot
Once follicles reach the right size, a trigger injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is given to prompt ovulation. The IUI procedure is scheduled 24 to 36 hours after this shot.
If you are considering getting Gonal-f with the IUI procedure, it is best to discuss it with a fertility specialist for a more personalised recommendation. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.
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How do I prepare for my Gonal-f IUI cycle?
Preparation for a Gonal-f and IUI procedure is fairly simple. You will need to:
Follow your clinic’s instructions regarding medication and monitoring appointments.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and avoiding smoking or alcohol.
Prepare for daily injections by learning proper techniques.
Arrive with a comfortably full bladder on the day of IUI if advised.
What to expect on the day of the procedure?
The IUI procedure is brief and typically painless:
You will lie on an examination table.
A thin, flexible catheter will be passed through your cervix into the uterus.
Washed and prepared sperm will be placed directly into the uterus.
You may rest briefly before resuming normal activities.
What are the benefits and side effects of using Gonal-f with IUI?
Benefits
An increased number of eggs improves chances of fertilisation.
Higher pregnancy rates than IUI without injectable hormones for some patients.
Side effects
Headache
Drowsiness or dizziness
Vaginal bleeding
Injection site reactions
Upper respiratory tract infections
Stomach pain
Nausea
Serious side effects
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
Ovarian cysts
Serious pulmonary complications
Blood clots
FAQ
What does Gonal-f do during IUI?
Gonal-f stimulates the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, increasing the opportunity for sperm to fertilise an egg during IUI.
Is IUI more successful with injectables?
Yes, generally, IUI combined with injectable medications like Gonal-f can improve pregnancy rates compared to IUI without injectables, but with an increased risk of multiples.
What hormone injections are given for IUI?
Common hormone injections during IUI include follicle-stimulating hormones (like Gonal-f) and the hCG trigger shot to time ovulation.
Do you take fertility medications with IUI?
Often yes, patients receive fertility medications such as Gonal-f to induce ovulation and improve the chances of conception.
What to expect from IUI with injectables?
You can expect daily hormone injections, frequent monitoring, the IUI procedure itself, and then a waiting period before pregnancy testing.
How to increase the IUI success rate?
Following medication protocols, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, timing the procedure correctly, and choosing appropriate candidates can improve success.
How to tell if Gonal-f is working?
Monitoring ultrasounds and blood hormone levels will show follicle development, indicating Gonal-f effectiveness.
Does Gonal-f increase the chances of pregnancy?
Yes, by producing multiple follicles, Gonal-f can increase pregnancy chances in IUI cycles, but it also raises the risk of multiple pregnancies.
The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice based on your unique situations, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.
For more information, contact us:
Thomson Fertility Centre
- Paragon: 6252 7766
Thomson Specialists (Women's Health)
Request an Appointment