IVF Doctor Explains & Starts Her IVF Meds (Menopur, Follistim, Ganirelix)

Doctor Sarah Bjorkman, a board-certified OB/GYN and trained Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility specialist, along with her husband Kurt, who is a board-certified Pediatrician, use this week's episode to share what you need to know about preparing and giving yourself IVF stimulation meds as a part of your IVF cycle.
This is part 3.1 of a 5 part series on IVF Basics:
1. Starting IVF VLOG (Starting IVF/Infertility Workup) -- • OB/GYN & IVF Doctor Sh...
2. Stimulation -- • OB/GYN & IVF Doctor Ex...
3. Meds and Injection Demonstrations -
3.1. Stimulation meds -- THIS EPISODE
3.2. Trigger meds -- • IVF Doctor Explains & ...
3.3. Progesterone in Oil -- • IVF Doc Demos Everyone...
4. Egg Retrieval -- • OB/GYN & IVF Doctor Ex...
5. Embryo Transfer -- • Embryo Transfer: IVF D...
0:00 - Intro
0:51 - Follistim
8:23 - Menopur
18:08 - Ganirelix
21:40 - Possible Side Effects and Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
Also be sure to check our video on
- The Two Week Wait -- • THE TWO WEEK WAIT: Wee...
Intro Music: A WAY FOR ME - Nicolai Heidlas by Chem Ocampo
Keywords: pregnancy update, the doctors bjorkman, pregnancy vlog obgyn, pediatrician, pregnancy spacing, infertility, trouble getting pregnant, IFV, time to try again, negative pregnancy test, fertility specialist

[@Laura-cm2qz]

I wish I had this last year during my egg retrieval! It's SO overwhelming to first see the box full of medication and all the different syringes and vials. Especially if you have no medical background. Take the time to read all the inserts the pharmacy provides, and organize your corresponding meds/syringes in a bin or other method that keeps things straight forward for you. The first day of injections was the hardest and very stressful, but the second day onwards was surprisingly easy. For anyone starting this process, I wish you all the luck. You can absolutely do this!

[@TheDoctorsBjorkman]

The first day is totally the worst and takes forever to get everything set up and it’s just A LOT. But as you said, by the night night you’re basically a pro 😂 Hope your IVF journey went smoothly and you are on the other side of it for now!!

[@MRC647]

Best video about stimulation meds till date!

[@lanaluu7874]

I really appreciate these videos. Good luck to you 2 on your IVF journey.

[@azndrumr]

Starting stimulation meds this weekend for my first IVF cycle, so this is SUPER helpful 🙌 Thank you!!

[@priyarao6154]

Thank you so much for all the IVF videos! We are going to start from my next cycle and all the info here is so helpful in this overwhelming and unknown territory we are stepping into! 😊All the very best to you!! Baby dust!!❤️

[@JenniferLipska]

Thank you for explaining how to do the Menopur injection! I thought I had remembered how the nurse showed me but seeing you do it really helped a lot!

[@kuroe-chan5190]

Doc was a life saver for me too lol. I forgot follistim knew where I left off.

[@j3n3saisquoi]

How perfect is the timing of this video! I’m starting my stims tonight. Really appreciate you sharing your journey with us. My husband and I are also experiencing secondary infertility. If you were in my state, I would absolutely seek you for my fertility care. Best wishes to you!

[@TheDoctorsBjorkman]

That is so sweet of you to say!! I hope your first night of injections went well-you will be a pro in a few days!! Sending you all the luck for your IVF cycle❤️ Secondary infertility sucks and we are right here with you!!

[@ElfariaMireille]

Seeing your bruises was very emotional. Best of luck to both of you! Prayers for baby #2 coming soon!

[@TheDoctorsBjorkman]

Thank you for the prayers and support. They say all the shots are worth it in the end. Hoping that’s true for us too.

[@virgovibe626]

Ran across this video and I’m glad I saw this. I’m starting my stim tomorrow and am so nervous because I’m afraid of needles 😬😬 but I’m excited and happy that I’m not alone.

[@909clouds]

I'm going through stim right now (day 5!) and this is so helpful. I was worried about those pesky air bubbles as there was always a tiny one lingering. I was just upped to 3 Menopur vials after my day 4 check, so lots of vials :). It's great seeing a fertility doctor demonstrate her own process. Thank you and good luck :)

[@emilycooper2386]

This is awesome! Wish I had had this video before going through IVF myself. I think we spent 45 minutes trying to figure out the meds the first night - and this would have been so helpful! 🤣 Wishing you success on your journey!

[@TheDoctorsBjorkman]

Thank you so much-it truly means a lot to us. And omg the first night is like a science experiment and you second guess everything😂 Hope your IVF journey was kind to you as well!! Infertility sucks as you know far too well!

[@angeladorio8761]

This is so very helpful! I wish I had this video when doing our IVF cycles. Thank you for sharing such good content!

[@TheDoctorsBjorkman]

You are most welcome. Hoping your IVF journey is being kind to you and you are on the other side of it. ❤️

[@ElaSiromascenko1]

It's wild how that box of Menopur in the background looks so familiar! Best if luck on your IVF journey!! ❤

[@Jas-xc6jo]

Currently taking these. thank you so much for this video. Very helpful. ❤

[@narsisa6687]

I just injected follistim while watching your video, thank you again

[@rnvictoria2090]

Thank you for the very helpfu/ informative video. It's easy to follow because we are exactly the same medications. It's my first IVF treatment hopefully it will turn successfully. ❤

[@Lab_Library]

I just started my first injections the other day and I have watched this video at least 6-7 times to make sure I am doing this right. Thank you so much for the information and for making it look so easy. It put my mind at ease. :)

[@deepthidevagudi927]

Very educating and helpful video

[@lovestoryofkhushbudan1358]

Love your videos. Always very informative. Would you please make a video of what activities and things to avoid during 2 weeks wait of implantation phase? If you get some time.

[@evaramirez2214]

Thank you sooo much for this video I am super excited and nervous at the same time, soon I’ll start my follistim, Menopur 💉💉 this video is just perfect 👍 and amazing it helped me sooo much. ❤Thank you ❤

[@narsisa6687]

Thank you so so much for your video!

[@christinarobins7036]

Thank God for this video and for you! ❤

[@TheValkyrieT6]

I think the saline and menopur vials are supposed to be wiped with alcohol first before using the q cap

[@MsSassydiva12]

Super helpful thank you! Question does the 1ml equal to 75iu? I got a little confused as it states 2ml vial on the bottle.

[@bobo5084]

We still have some of the injections and injection supplies left over, can we donate them some where?

[@mackenziebaglione]

Hello! My clinic’s protocol is to mix the gonal F into the menopur and injecting them both in 1 shot. Do you think it makes a difference to combine them?

[@SkiRacerMinnesota]

Are there long term health issues associated with IVF? Like breast cancer or issues with ovaries? I’m curious because of all of the hormones involved.

[@AliJaeJR]

How long past fonal F expires can they still be used for?

[@JudyLee38]

I'm starting injections this weekend and am terrified of needles!!! Do you know if its possible to combine all the meds (ie, menopur, follistim, ganirelix) in a single syringe so I only have to inject once?

[@ZanetkaPL]

You mentioned the antagonist IVF protocol, could you do a video about the different protocols? I have an AMH of 122 (super high) and starting IVF in September.

[@TheDoctorsBjorkman]

Great idea-we will add that to our list of topics to cover!! Wishing you luck on your IVF journey as well!!

[@midgebot86]

Best of luck! Sending support

[@TheDoctorsBjorkman]

Thank you so much! We really do appreciate it.

[@melissar1992]

The menopur threw me off as one of my meds takes all the diluent the menopur not so. My dosage is 75iu and the little needle only holds 100ml so I only draw up 75ml. I'm injecting in the upper outer butt (my husband is injecting me). I've seen this done and read some online but it does seem that belly button is preferred. I wondered why.

[@kimv6309]

Been through a few rounds (really should’ve asked earlier), and my Menopur final volume, after getting a small drop top of the needle, it’s less one mark under 1 mL … is that ok? This is the one I literally have to watch the video a billion times every time. … looking forward to next round 😅 … and had to double up on Ganirelix on the last day 😅

[@piglovesasy]

Which med should I inject first if I need to inject both Menopur and Follistim?

[@amandabretch85]

Can I store my Menopur in the fridge? My boyfriend refuses to drop the AC below 79.

[@amandabretch85]

This is my third retrieval. I got upped to two vials of Menopur and 75 units extra of the Follistim versus my previous two retrieval’s. Can you tell me why my doctor would do that? Should I be worried? Is that a bad sign?

[@Karly9725]

This is my exact protocol + HGH, so this is SOSO helpful!

[@westnile21]

Can anybody explain what exactly this is and what it’s for? Is it like a birth control?

[@kimiecampbell7806]

Thank you for this video!! I'm in the process of buying my first round of Menopur. I feel nervous and anxious for some of the really serious side effects...how common are those? Also is it better to take them at night or in the morning?

[@kimiecampbell7806]

Also the plan is to just do Menopur with IUI or naturally...we don't have the money for IVF...is this also a huge risk? I am 40, eat well, exercise, and am generally healthy.

[@zen_mindset1]

I took raspberry leaf and Chasteberry (Vitex fruit) supplements for both my pregnancies. It worked for me. Of course everybody's results vary. Good luck on your road to baby 2#🥰

[@TheDoctorsBjorkman]

Thank you so so much!!

[@MsSavvyChic]

Thank you for allowing us to share your fertility journey-your videos have really helped. One question I had-do you recommend weaning before trying for another baby? I’ve heard continuing to nurse can make getting pregnant harder…sending baby dust your way! ❤️

[@alaweeezy]

I’m just a bit confused about why you’re doing IVF after only a few months of trying? Can you please talk about that? Cause all the guidance online says to wait a year. And it’s making me worried that maybe I should do IVF now since it’s been 6 months for me 🥺

[@kaianna94]

If you watch the earlier videos, they explain that they actually tried for a while without documenting it. Also, the amount of time you’re supposed to try before resorting to fertility meds depends on your age. If you’re over 35, they suggest you consult a fertility specialist after 6 months of trying, if you’re younger, many docs will recommend trying for a year first, though some will begin treatment before a year is up. Also, IVF is not the only fertility treatment available. I wouldn’t jump to the conclusion that ivf if necessary quite yet 😁

[@janek3531]

Took me, a healthy 24 year old, 13 months to get pregnant. If you are under 35, 6 months is not very long for trying! And honestly even over 35 isn’t very long, it’s just recommended to get some assistance so you have some more time to work on things. Comment above is great ^^

[@elusive_cumulus7152]

they also made the really good point that they identified an issue - male factor, ie some issues with the sperm, so knowing that, there was no reason to delay treatment any longer because they now know there's a problem. Further to this they made the point that they are in a very privileged position being in the field they're in, which probably lead to easier and quicker access to fertility testing for themselves.

[@zen_mindset1]

It didn't take me long at 35 and 39. Every woman's experience is different.

[@TheDoctorsBjorkman]

@kaianna94 This exactly!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@elyseana11]

Did you try IUI or go straight to IVF?

[@TheDoctorsBjorkman]

We did medicated ovulation induction (with letrozole) for 4 cycles and no luck. I really did not want multiples (high risk, and 8-10% chance with letrozole) so ovulation induction made me a little nervous and with IVF I knew I would do a single embryo transfer!!

[@elyseana11]

Oh my goodness I am actually in my two week wait right now from my 4th letrozole IUI! Sending positive vibes your way doctor 🥰

[@amjohnston2008]

I hate that you're having to go through IVF, but I guess we will go through it together. I had to have emergency surgery Saturday evening for a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. They wound up taking both my tubes because they were both in bad shape. So now IVF is our only option.

[@zen_mindset1]

Try Chasteberry and raspberry leaf. It helped me conceive twice.

[@ashlieleavelle]

I am so sorry you went through this. Best wishes.

[@TheDoctorsBjorkman]

Oh I am so so sorry that happened. A ruptured ectopic is one of the few true GYN emergencies and they can be very scary. I hope you have been able to start to process everything, and know we are thinking about you and hoping for a speedy recovery.

[@kuroe-chan5190]

If o ly homeopathic worked for everyone 😢 20 yrs I. This god forsaken infertility bs. Finally able to do egg retrieval and do fet later this year. It’s said how so many women are struggling to get pregnant it’s crazy. Also I wish you all the best of luck on your journey to become parents!

[@courtneym4355]

It is very important.. You are never supposed to recap a needle. There is no need here especially because you are just putting them into the sharps container.

[@aliciaarroyo4879]

Extremely expensive, my wife’s cost around 25,000 but thanks to insurance and God it was free