These newer gonadotropins are obtained from recombinant technology, not from the urine of menopausal women. Use When given to premenopausal women, this hormone stimulates the ovaries to form follicles that mature and produce eggs. When the estradiol levels and ultrasounds indicate that ovulation is imminent, an injection of hCG is given. At the appropriate time, intercourse, insemination, or egg retrieval is planned. These usually occur five to eight days after the hCG injection.
Treatment consists of bedrest and pain medication.
The risk of hyperstimulation is minimal when the patient is carefully monitored. There also may be local soreness or redness at the injection sites. The incidence of multiple pregnancy appears to be about 15-20 percent. At least 80 percent of the pregnancies resulting from Gonal-F or Follistim are singletons. Some studies have suggested a slight increase in ovarian cancer in women who have taken fertility medication, but these studies have been disputed.