Progesterone is used during IVF treatment to help promote implantation and prevent miscarriage, and can be an important factor in the success of IVF. Below, we will take a look at when progesterone injections are used during fertility treatment, as well as some other drugs that play a key role during IVF.

Progesterone Injections

Progesterone is normally produced by the ovaries after ovulation. It prepares the uterine lining to receive an embryo, and prevents miscarriage once an embryo implants. The presence of progesterone is essential to a successful pregnancy. Indeed, progesterone is often used to prevent preterm labor in women with a history of that problem.During an IVF cycle, drugs are given to suppress ovulation and stimulate the production of more eggs than usual. The drug therapy alters the amount of progesterone that the body produces, and the amount of progesterone produced during an IVF cycle is often insufficient to meet the body's needs.

Therefore, progesterone supplementation is given before embryo transfer and throughout the first several weeks of pregnancy, until the placenta takes over progesterone production at week 11.Progesterone is commonly given in two forms, vaginal administration and intra-muscular injections. Studies show that vaginal and intramuscular injections are both effective. Vaginal administration is more comfortable for the majority of women, but is associated with vaginal discharge. Intramuscular injections can be uncomfortable, but some women prefer it because it does not cause vaginal discharge. Vaginal progesterone is typically given in the evening to reduce vaginal leakage.

‍Other IVF Drugs

‍Although progesterone can be important during IVF, a number of other fertility drugs are also essential to a successful IVF cycle. Depending on the woman's age, the cause of her infertility, and her response to past treatments, a number of drug protocols may be used. Most IVF patients can expect to receive the following drugs:

• Lupron or Ganirelix - These injections are often given to prevent ovulation from occurring. If premature ovulation occurs during IVF, the cycle cannot continue.
• Follistim - Follistim contains follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates the ovaries to mature more egg follicles than usual. This ensures that the doctor has enough eggs to work with.
• hCG - Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone is given as a "trigger" injection just before egg retrieval, to mature the egg.

Dr. Randy Morris would be happy to to meet with you about treatment for your infertility. To schedule your consultation today, please call IVF1 at (630) 357-6540 or click below and enter your information and we will get back to you as soon as possible.