If you’ve just opened your IVF meds and found a green pen and a box labelled Ovaleap 900 IU, you might feel a wave of anxiety. That’s completely normal.

This blog post walks you through what Ovaleap is, how to use it, what it feels like, and why it’s such a common part of the stimulation phase of IVF. With photos, practical tips, and gentle reassurance, it’s here to help make the unknown feel more manageable.

What Is Ovaleap?

Ovaleap (follitropin alfa) is a recombinant FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) used in IVF to stimulate the ovaries. Its goal is to encourage your body to grow multiple follicles, rather than the one or two it naturally produces each cycle.

It’s very similar to Gonal-f or Bemfola, but delivered using its own injection pen device and pre-filled cartridges.

This medication is part of a daily injection routine during the stimulation phase of IVF, typically taken for 10–14 days.

What’s in the Box?

From your photos, a typical Ovaleap kit includes:

• A reusable injection pen

• A cartridge of Ovaleap 900 IU / 1.5 ml solution

• A box of Unifine Pentips® needles

• Instruction booklet and injection diary

• Ice packs (if delivered by pharmacy)

Storage note: Ovaleap must be kept in the fridge at 2–8°C, even after opening.

Typical IVF Clinic Instructions

Your box label says:

“Inject 225 units under the skin (subcutaneously) ONCE each day for 14 days. Both 900 and 450 unit cartridges will be supplied as directed by the IVF clinic.”

Your exact dose and duration may vary depending on:

• Age

• Ovarian reserve

• Hormone levels (e.g. AMH, FSH)

• Response to previous IVF cycles (if any)

👉 Related: Fertility Tests: What to Expect and What They Mean

How to Use the Ovaleap Pen

1. Take the cartridge out of the fridge 10–15 minutes before use

2. Wash your hands and choose a clean, flat surface

3. Insert the cartridge into the pen and screw on a fresh needle

4. Dial your dose (your clinic will tell you the number of units)

5. Pinch an area of belly fat, then inject at a 90° angle

6. Hold for a few seconds, remove, and safely dispose of the needle

Most people inject into the lower belly area, alternating sides each day.

👉 Read next: IVF Injections: What They Feel Like and How to Stay Calm

What It Feels Like

The pen design is one of the easiest to use — especially if you’re new to self-injections. That said, you might experience:

• A tiny sting or pinch

• Mild redness or bruising

• Hormonal changes (bloating, mood swings, fatigue)

• Emotional overwhelm (completely normal!)

You might want to prepare an IVF injection kit with everything you need: alcohol pads, sharps bin, tracker app, and even a chocolate reward afterwards.

Pros & Cons

Pros
✅ Easy-to-use injection pen
✅ Clean and consistent dosing
✅ Less painful than mixed injections
✅ Reliable stimulation results

Cons
🔴 Needs refrigeration
🔴 Slightly fiddly if changing cartridges
🔴 Doesn’t contain LH (may need to combine with another med - I also injected Meriofert )

Where to Buy & Cost

In the UK, Ovaleap is typically dispensed through your IVF clinic’s pharmacy.
You cannot buy it over the counter, and your dosage will be carefully prescribed.

If you're funding treatment privately, Ovaleap 900 IU typically costs between £250–£400 depending on the provider.