When should i have intercourse after an ovidrel shot?

Recommended Timing for Intercourse After Ovidrel

Ovidrel (choriogonadotropin alfa) triggers final egg maturation and ovulation in fertility treatments like IUI or IVF. Ovulation typically occurs 24-36 hours after the injection.[1] Doctors advise having intercourse around this window to maximize conception chances, often starting 12-36 hours post-shot and continuing every 1-2 days until a pregnancy test or the next cycle check.

How Ovidrel Works and Why Timing Matters

Ovidrel mimics the LH surge, releasing eggs from follicles within about 36 hours. Sperm can survive up to 5 days in fertile cervical mucus, so intercourse 12-24 hours before ovulation aligns sperm with egg release. Guidelines from fertility clinics (e.g., ASRM) recommend timed intercourse or insemination 24-36 hours after the trigger to catch the fertile window.[2][3]

Doctor Instructions vs. General Guidelines

Follow your doctor's exact plan, as it depends on ultrasound monitoring of follicle size (usually triggered at 18-20mm) and your protocol. Some prescribe intercourse the night of the shot, others delay to 48 hours. Missing this window reduces odds by up to 50%, per fertility studies.[4]

What If You're Doing IUI or IVF?

• IUI: Intercourse is often paired with insemination 24-36 hours post-Ovidrel; some clinics skip intercourse to avoid multiple sperm sources.
  
• IVF: Focus shifts to egg retrieval 34-36 hours after the shot—no intercourse needed until after retrieval to prevent infection or ovarian torsion risks.[5]
  
  

Duration of the Fertile Window

Aim for intercourse every other day from Ovidrel day until 2 days after expected ovulation (about 5 days total). Progesterone rise post-ovulation ends the window; test 10-14 days later.

Common Concerns and Risks

• Multiple pregnancy risk: Ovidrel can release multiple eggs; timed intercourse raises twins odds (10-20% in stimulated cycles).[6]
  
• OHSS: Overstimulation syndrome is rare but higher with coasting (delaying intercourse); report bloating or pain.
  
• No conception: If cycles fail, adjust trigger timing or dose next round.
  
  [1] Ovidrel official site
  [2] ASRM Ovarian Stimulation Guidelines
  [3] Fertility & Sterility: Trigger Timing Review
  [4] PubMed: hCG Trigger Outcomes
  [5] SART IVF Protocols
  [6] NCBI: Multiples Risk in Triggered Cycles