|
The normal ovulatory cycle consist
of several stages including the recruitment and development of
the ovarian follicles (eggs), the simultaneous development of
the endometrium, and a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) that
induces ovulation or release of the egg.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
is known as the "pregnancy hormone" because the placenta
produces it once a pregnancy is established. The body responds
to hCG in the same manner as LH because structurally and biochemically
they are very similar. Therefore, an injection of hCG (hCG spike)
will initiate ovulation approximately 36 hours later.
During an IVF cycle, the LH surge
is impaired due to the administration of Lupron or Ganirelix Acetate (GnRH
analogues). These products are important for optimizing synchronized
follicular growth and preventing spontaneous premature ovulation.
hCG is a "natural" product
being derived and highly purified from human sources. It is supplied
as a refined powder ("lyophilized") that can easily
be reconstituted and then injected (subcutaneous or intramuscular).Ovidrel
is "pure" hCG because it is manufactured using recombinant
biotechnology. The genetic coding sequence for hCG is inserted
into specialized cells in culture; the specialized cells can then
'make' pure hCG.
Ovidrel comes in a pre-filled
syringe for subcutaneous injection.Once the follicles mature,
an injection of hCG is given and egg retrieval is scheduled. If
a patient is undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI) with FSH,
the hCG injection is administered and the insemination(s) is scheduled
accordingly.
Luveris (lutropin alpha) LH, Luveris
is identical to the body's luteinizing hormone which induces ovulation.
It is also used to treat patients who have severe deficiencies
of LH. Luveris is manufactured using genetic recombinant technology.
"Search Our Site"
|
