What Day of Your Cycle Do You Start IVF Injections?

If you’re preparing for IVF, one of the biggest questions is when the process actually starts. More specifically—what day of your cycle do you begin the IVF injections?

At fertie, we know the IVF timeline can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re juggling work, life, and the emotional rollercoaster of treatment. Understanding when to start can make things feel a little clearer—and a little more in your control.

Let’s break it down.

IVF Injections: The Start of Your Stimulation Phase

In IVF, injections refer to the medications you take to stimulate your ovaries. These meds help your body produce multiple eggs in one cycle, rather than the usual one egg.

This part of the process is called ovarian stimulation, and it typically begins early in your menstrual cycle.

What Day Do You Start IVF Injections?

In most IVF protocols, you start your stimulation injections on Day 2 or Day 3 of your menstrual cycle.

• Day 1 of your cycle is the first day of full menstrual bleeding (not spotting).

• You’ll usually have a baseline ultrasound and bloodwork on Day 2 or 3 to check hormone levels and confirm your ovaries are ready to go.

• If everything looks good, your clinic will give you the green light to start injections that evening.

Some protocols may vary slightly (such as with long protocols or antagonist cycles), but Day 2 or 3 is the standard for most fresh IVF cycles.

Why the Timing Matters

Starting stimulation early in your cycle ensures:

• Your ovaries are in their natural resting state, ready to be stimulated

• The hormonal environment is ideal for egg development

• You can grow multiple follicles at the same time, giving your clinic more eggs to retrieve later in the cycle

How Long Do You Take IVF Injections?

Most people take stimulation injections for 8 to 14 days, depending on how their ovaries respond.

• Your clinic will monitor you every 2–3 days with ultrasounds and blood tests.

• They may adjust your medication dosage as needed.

• Once your follicles are ready, you’ll be scheduled for your trigger shot to mature the eggs before egg retrieval.

Personal Insight: What It Felt Like to Start Injections

“I remember getting my Day 1 period and feeling both excited and terrified. The next morning, I had my baseline scan. Starting injections that evening felt like a huge step—like the process was finally real. The first few shots were nerve-wracking, but after a couple of days, I got into a rhythm. I even made a playlist to keep me calm each evening while doing them.”
— fertie Community Member

Tips for Your First IVF Injections

• Ask your clinic to show you how to mix and inject your meds—some people practice on an orange!

• Choose a time each day that works for your schedule, and stick to it (most people do evenings).

• Make the environment calm—light a candle, play music, or listen to a podcast.

• Have a support person nearby, especially the first time. Even if you’re doing it solo, text a friend for a little cheer squad moment!

Final Thoughts

Starting IVF injections can feel like a major turning point—because it is. It marks the moment this journey moves from planning into action, and that can bring up all kinds of emotions: excitement, nerves, maybe even a little fear.

Most protocols begin stimulation on Day 2 or 3 of your menstrual cycle, following a baseline scan and bloodwork. From there, it’s daily injections, monitoring appointments, and adjusting to a new rhythm. It’s a lot—but you don’t have to go through it blindly.

With the right support, even the most overwhelming parts can feel a little more manageable. And that’s where we come in.

👉 Inside our Fertility 101 course, we guide you through every phase of IVF—from understanding your protocol to managing injections and emotions. You’ll find real-life tips, expert guidance, and a supportive community so you never have to go it alone.

Because this isn’t just about getting through IVF—it’s about feeling empowered every step of the way.

You don’t have to figure this alone

Inside fertie, you’ll get:

• Expert-led courses to make informed decisions

• Private support from women on the same path

• Exclusive partner clinic perks & discounts

Disclaimer: Prices and treatment protocols vary by clinic and individual. Always consult with your fertility specialist for accurate, up-to-date pricing and guidance tailored to your situation.