Ovidrel is the prescription version of the hormone hCG, which stimulates the release of an egg, aka ovulation. It’s used in fertility medicine to trigger ovulation about 36 hours before insemination or egg retrieval. The medicine itself is taken subcutaneously (by inserting a small needle just below the skin, usually in the abdomen area) and has minimal side effects beyond slight pain or mild nausea and vomiting. The biggest complication associated with the medication is ovarian hyperstimulation, or extreme swelling of the ovaries along with fluid buildup in the abdomen and chest. Talk to your doctor if you have pain or swelling in the pelvic area, sudden or rapid weight gain, or severe nausea and vomiting.
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