Bottom line up front: IVF medications fall into a few functional categories — stimulation, suppression, trigger, and luteal support — each serving a distinct purpose in the cycle.
| Medication category | What it does |
|---|---|
| Stimulation (FSH-based) | Stimulates the ovaries to develop multiple eggs |
| Suppression | Prevents premature ovulation before retrieval |
| Trigger | Finalizes egg maturation ahead of retrieval |
| Luteal support (progesterone) | Supports the uterine lining after retrieval and transfer |
Why protocols vary between patients
Your specific protocol — medication choice, dosing, timing — is tailored to your ovarian reserve, prior response if you've cycled before, and other individual factors. There's no single universal protocol.
Practical medication considerations
Most stimulation medications are self-administered injections; proper technique, storage, and timing all matter and should be covered thoroughly by your care team before you begin.
See colombianivf.com for medication-specific guidance from Colombia-based providers, including cost considerations for international patients.
The Takeaway
Understand the functional category and purpose of each medication in your specific protocol — this helps you follow instructions accurately and ask better questions if something feels off.