Progesterone supplementation during IVF

Revised 2016


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What is progesterone?

Progesterone is a hormone produced by the ovary. It is first detected in the middle of the menstrual cycle when an egg is released (ovulation). Progesterone prepares the lining of the uterus (endometrium) for a fertilized egg (embryo) to stick or implant. If a pregnancy does not take place, progesterone levels drop and a woman has her period. If an embryo implants into the lining of the uterus, the ovary continues to produce progesterone for eight weeks to ten weeks. After that time, the placenta produces progesterone to support the pregnancy.

Progesterone Supplementation.pngWhy do doctors prescribe progesterone during fertility treatments?

During an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle, medications are usually used to prevent you from the early release of an egg from the ovary (premature ovulation). These medicines affect your ovary’s ability to make progesterone. Your doctor may prescribe a progesterone supplement to make up for this decrease in your progesterone levels. Progesterone support the uterine lining and helps an embryo implant and grow inside. Many scientific studies have looked at pregnancy rates in IVF cycles that used progesterone. These studies have shown that pregnancy rates are much higher in cycles with supplementation compared with those without.

When and how should I take progesterone?

Progesterone supplementation is usually started on the day of egg retrieval. If a pregnancy takes place, supplementation may continue throughout the first trimester. Progesterone may be taken as an intramuscular injection or given through the vagina as a suppository, gel, or tablet. There appears to be no difference in the chance of becoming pregnant or continuing a pregnancy based on how the progesterone is given. It is important to follow instructions and talk with your doctor about the form of progesterone that best fits your needs. Taking progesterone as a pill does not work well to support the pregnancy because it is not absorbed by the stomach enough to help the pregnancy.

What are the risks of taking progesterone?

There are two basic types of progesterone. One is a synthetic type called medroxy-progesterone acetate. The other type more closely resembles the natural progesterone produced by the ovaries. The natural form is the one recommended for use in pregnancy.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

SART Fertility Experts - Navigating IVF as a Couple

Mary Casey Jacob, PhD is interviewed by Dr. Daniel Grow, and together they explore the emotional and practical support that couples need. Listen to the Episode

SART Fertility Experts - Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Candace discusses her experience with infertility, IVF, multiple pregnancy losses and ultimately a successful delivery with Dr. Julia Woodward.
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SART Fertility Experts - Infertility Advocacy and Government Affairs

In today's episode, Dr. Mark Trolice interviews Sean Tipton about the fact that many infertility patients do not have insurance coverage for treatment. Listen to the Episode

SART Fertility Experts - Behind the Scenes in the IVF Lab

Dr. Sangita Jindal,  helps patients understand the importance of the IVF lab when choosing an IVF program.   Listen to the Episode

SART Fertility Experts - Your Infertility Nurse: Partner in Your Care

Infertility nurse practitioner and health coach Monica Moore explains the essential role of the infertility nurse in the IVF process.  Listen to the Episode

SART Fertility Experts - Genetics and IVF

Genetics is a significant part of advanced reproductive technology screening.  Listen to the Episode

SART Fertility Experts - Fertility and LGBTQ

In this episode, Dr. Daniel Grow interviews Dr. Mark Leondires, the founder of Gay Parents To Be.  Listen to the Episode

SART Fertility Experts - What is an REI?

These experts in infertility lead IVF programs, perform reproductive surgery, and perform research to enhance the field of reproductive medicine. Listen to the Episode

SART Fertility Experts - What is IVF?

In this episode, we discuss the ins-and-outs of in vitro fertilization (IVF).   Listen to the Episode

Infertility: an Overview (booklet)

Infertility is typically defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. View the booklet

What is intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)?

A procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can be done along with in vitro fertilization (IVF) if a sperm cannot penetrate the outer layer of an egg. Read the Fact Sheet

What is In Vitro Maturation (IVM)?

In vitro maturation (IVM) is when a woman’s eggs are collected and matured outside the body. This is done as part of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure. View the fact sheet

In vitro fertilization (IVF): what are the risks?

IVF is a method of assisted reproduction in which a man’s sperm and a woman’s eggs are combined outside of the body in a laboratory dish. View the fact sheet

Fertility Rights and Responsibilities

Can a fertility program or clinic deny treatment to patient(s) if there is concern about the ability to care for the child(ren)? Yes. Fertility programs can withhold services if there are signs that patients will not be able to care for child(ren). View this Fact Sheet

Hydrosalpinx

The fallopian tubes are attached to the uterus (womb) on the left and right sides. View the Factsheet

Preimplantation genetic testing (including preimplantation genetic diagnosis and preimplantation genetic screening)

Your embryos can be tested for abnormal chromosomes before they are transferred to the uterus. View the fact sheet

What do I need to know about conceiving after tubal surgery?

Fallopian tubes connect the ovary (where the eggs are stored and grow) to the uterus (womb), where the fertilized egg develops into a baby (fetus). View the fact sheet

Side effects of injectable fertility drugs (gonadotropins)

Gonadotropins are fertility medications given by injection that contain follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) alone or combined with luteinizing hormone (LH). View the fact sheet

SART FAQ About IVF

Created by the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) the following are answers to frequently asked questions concerning in vitro fertilization (IVF). Learn the facts

Kristen Ritchie's Story

I spent seven years navigating infertility, which was tumultuous but also a period of tremendous personal growth in hindsight. Read the story

In Vitro Fertilization Infographics

ASRM has prepared infographics to illustrate the subject of in vitro fertilization (IVF) better. View the infographics

Fact Sheets/Booklets

View more fact sheets and booklets written by the ASRM Patient Education Committee.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (booklet)

This booklet will help you understand in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technology (ART) that have become accepted medical treatments for infertility.

Hormonal Contraception

Hormonal contraceptives contain a progestin (progesterone medicine) with or without an estrogen.

What do I need to know about Zika virus and trying to have a baby?

Common symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, conjunctivitis (red eyes), muscle pain, and headache.

Third-Party Reproduction

The phrase “third-party reproduction” refers to involving someone other than the individual or couple that plans to raise the child (intended parent[s]) in the process of reproduction.

Resources For You

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) is committed to providing patients with the highest quality information about reproductive care.