Follicular growth following the administration of a trigger medication, typically human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, represents the final stage of follicle maturation before ovulation. This period is critical for achieving optimal oocyte maturity and thus maximizing the chances of successful fertilization. The amount of growth during this time is generally small, on the order of a few millimeters, as the dominant follicles have already reached near-maximal size before triggering ovulation. This final maturation primarily involves internal changes within the follicle and oocyte rather than significant increases in diameter.
Precise timing of the trigger is crucial in assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF). Administering the trigger prematurely can result in the retrieval of immature eggs, while delaying it may lead to ovulation occurring before egg retrieval, both compromising treatment success. Understanding the nuances of follicular development after trigger administration enables fertility specialists to optimize the timing of egg retrieval, contributing significantly to positive outcomes. This knowledge has been fundamental to advancements in reproductive medicine and has led to increased success rates in IVF treatments.
