Gonal F

Gonal-F is one of the most widely prescribed FSH medications in IVF. Its active ingredient, follitropin alfa, is a synthetic version of the naturally occurring follicle-stimulating hormone that drives egg development in women and sperm production in men. If your doctor has prescribed Gonal-F as part of your IVF protocol, here’s a clear breakdown of what it does, how to use it, and what it costs.

What Is Gonal-F Used For?

Gonal-F is used to stimulate the ovaries to develop multiple follicles — each containing a maturing egg — instead of the single egg produced in a natural cycle. This controlled stimulation phase is the foundation of every IVF cycle. More mature eggs retrieved means more embryos to work with, which improves your overall chances of a successful transfer.

Gonal-F is frequently used alongside Menopur in combination protocols. Menopur contains both FSH and LH, while Gonal-F is a pure FSH medication – using both together gives your doctor more precise control over stimulation. Our Gonal-F vs Menopur guide explains why many clinics use both in the same protocol.

Gonal-F is also prescribed for adult men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism — a hormonal condition that impairs sperm production. In these cases, it’s used alongside hCG to stimulate sperm development. For more on male factor infertility and treatment options, see our male infertility guide.

How Is Gonal-F Administered?

Gonal-F is given as a subcutaneous injection — meaning it’s injected into the fatty layer just under the skin, typically in the lower abdomen. It comes in a pre-filled, multi-dose pen that most patients find straightforward to self-administer after a brief training session with their clinic nurse.

Gonal-F pens are available in three sizes:

• Gonal-F 300 IU pen – typically used for patients with a higher expected ovarian response or lower prescribed doses
• Gonal-F 450 IU pen – the most commonly prescribed size for a standard IVF stimulation cycle
• Gonal-F 900 IU pen – used for patients requiring higher doses or longer stimulation periods

Your doctor will determine your starting dose and adjust it based on how your follicles respond during monitoring. Ultrasounds and bloodwork every 1–2 days during stimulation track follicle growth and estrogen levels, letting your clinic fine-tune the dose in real time.

For a visual walkthrough of how to inject Gonal-F correctly, Fast IVF has a dedicated Gonal-F injection video on the videos page. Watching it before your first injection reduces anxiety and helps ensure correct technique. For tips on minimizing bruising at the injection site, see our IVF injection bruising guide.

How Does Gonal-F Work in the Body?

FSH is the hormone responsible for stimulating follicle growth in the ovaries. In a natural cycle, only one dominant follicle develops because FSH levels rise and fall within a narrow window. Gonal-F keeps FSH levels elevated for an extended period, encouraging multiple follicles to develop simultaneously.

The follitropin alfa in Gonal-F is produced using recombinant DNA technology — a manufacturing process where human FSH genes are introduced into cells that then produce the hormone. This makes it highly pure and consistent in potency compared to older urinary-derived FSH medications. The result is predictable dosing and a well-established safety profile across decades of clinical use.

Once your follicles have reached the target size — typically 17–20mm — your doctor will prescribe a trigger shot like Ovitrelle (Ovidrel) to trigger final egg maturation before retrieval. Gonal-F is stopped at that point. See our IVF trigger shot guide for more on how this final step works.

How Much Does Gonal-F Cost?

At US retail pharmacies, Gonal-F is one of the most expensive IVF medications — a 900 IU pen can cost $700–$900 or more, and many patients need more than one pen per cycle. Total stimulation medication costs at US prices regularly exceed $3,000–$5,000 per cycle.

Fast IVF sources European-brand Gonal-F — the same product, same manufacturer — at significantly lower prices. Patients typically save 50–70% compared to US retail. All three pen sizes are in stock and ship in temperature-controlled packaging to ensure potency on arrival. Check our IVF medication costs guide for a full breakdown of per-cycle savings, or request a free price quote to compare your current costs directly.

Gonal-F 300 IU Pen

Gonal-F 450 IU Pen

Get a Gonal-F Price Quote

Gonal-F 900 IU Pen

Frequently Asked Questions About Gonal-F

How long do you take Gonal-F during an IVF cycle?

Most patients take Gonal-F for 8–12 days during the stimulation phase of their IVF cycle. Your clinic will monitor your follicle growth via ultrasound every 1–2 days and adjust the dose or stop stimulation based on how your ovaries respond. Some patients with lower ovarian reserve may need slightly longer stimulation periods.

Does Gonal-F need to be refrigerated?

Yes — Gonal-F pens should be stored in the refrigerator (2–8°C / 36–46°F) before first use. After opening, a Gonal-F pen can be kept at room temperature (below 25°C / 77°F) for up to 28 days. Don’t freeze it, and keep it away from direct light. Our IVF medication refrigeration guide covers storage requirements for all major IVF medications.

What’s the difference between Gonal-F and Fostimon?

Both stimulate the ovaries using FSH, but the FSH source is different. Gonal-F uses recombinant follitropin alfa (lab-produced). Fostimon uses urofollitropin, a highly purified urinary-derived FSH. Both are effective — protocol choice depends on your doctor’s preference and your individual response profile. Fostimon is often a more affordable alternative for patients who respond well to urinary FSH.

Can Gonal-F be used with other IVF medications?

Yes — it’s almost always used alongside other medications. A typical protocol pairs Gonal-F with an antagonist like Cetrotide or Orgalutran to prevent premature ovulation, and finishes with a trigger shot. Some protocols also add Menopur to the Gonal-F for combined FSH and LH stimulation. Your IVF medication protocol will specify exactly which medications to take and when.

How do I order Gonal-F from Fast IVF?

You’ll need a valid prescription from your reproductive endocrinologist. Once you have it, you can submit it to Fast IVF and place your order. All Gonal-F pen sizes are in stock and ship in temperature-controlled packaging. Orders typically arrive within 3–5 business days. See our FAQ & Policies page for full details on the prescription submission and ordering process.