Medicines & protocols
The stimulation cycle is the period, usually around eight to fourteen days, when daily injections encourage multiple follicles to develop, monitored by scans and blood tests. It ends with the trigger injection and egg collection. Side effects such as bloating and tenderness are common; severe pain, rapid weight gain or breathlessness should be reported to the clinic straight away.
Also known as: stims, stimulation phase, ovarian stimulation
Related South Africa guides
Sources
- ESHRE guidelines and patient information
Last reviewed: 8 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.