Gonadotropins are injectable forms of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), sometimes combined with luteinising hormone (LH) activity, used during ovarian stimulation for IVF, ICSI or ovulation induction. They may be manufactured as recombinant FSH (produced in a laboratory) or as urinary FSH (purified from urine), and clinics choose between preparations based on clinical suitability, availability and cost rather than one being universally superior. The fertility team decides the type, timing and monitoring plan for gonadotropins as part of an individualised stimulation protocol, using blood tests and ultrasound scans to track the response. Overstimulation can lead to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), so dose and duration are adjusted only by the treating clinic. Patients should never adjust an injection schedule themselves and should discuss any concerns, including missed doses, directly with their clinic. In India, gonadotropins are prescription-only medicines regulated by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), and should be obtained and used only under medical supervision.
Also known as: recombinant FSH, r-FSH, urinary FSH, u-FSH, FSH injections, fertility injections
Related India guides
Sources
- ICMR Standard Treatment Workflows (icmr.gov.in/standard-treatment-workflows-stws)
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (cdsco.gov.in)
- Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (fogsi.org)
Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.