From the Research
No, Ovidrel (choriogonadotropin alfa) does not directly trigger a menstrual period if pregnancy does not occur. Ovidrel is a medication that contains human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and is used to trigger ovulation in fertility treatments. After Ovidrel administration, ovulation typically occurs within 24-36 hours. If pregnancy does not occur following ovulation, a menstrual period will naturally follow about 14 days after ovulation due to the drop in progesterone levels, not because of the Ovidrel itself. This is part of the normal menstrual cycle process where the corpus luteum (formed after ovulation) produces progesterone for about two weeks. If no pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum degenerates, progesterone levels fall, and the uterine lining sheds, resulting in menstruation.
Some studies have investigated the role of hCG in luteal phase support, but these do not directly address the question of whether Ovidrel triggers a menstrual period if pregnancy does not occur 1, 2, 3. For example, a study from 2021 found that low-dose hCG supplementation in a Gn-RH-agonist trigger protocol was associated with worse pregnancy outcomes, suggesting that the dose of hCG may be important for luteal phase support 1. However, this study does not provide information on whether Ovidrel triggers a menstrual period if pregnancy does not occur.
Patients using Ovidrel should expect their period approximately two weeks after the injection if they do not become pregnant, though the exact timing can vary based on individual hormonal factors and any additional fertility medications being used. It is essential to note that the provided evidence, including studies from 1993 4, 2016 2, 1992 3, and 1975 5, does not directly address the question of whether Ovidrel triggers a menstrual period if pregnancy does not occur, but rather focuses on other aspects of fertility treatment and luteal phase support.
The most recent and relevant study to the question at hand is from 2021 1, which, although focused on the outcomes of different hCG dosing strategies in fertility treatments, indirectly supports the understanding that Ovidrel's role is in triggering ovulation, not directly influencing the onset of menstruation if pregnancy does not occur. Therefore, based on the available evidence and the normal menstrual cycle process, it is clear that Ovidrel does not directly trigger a menstrual period if pregnancy does not occur.