| Progesterone supplementation is a very important | | | | involves daily self-injections this is just a continuation |
| part of the IVF process. Since, it's adequate | | | | of what has already been taking place. The |
| progesterone that keeps the uterine lining from | | | | progesterone is typically in an oil base and needs to |
| shedding, not having enough after the embryos have | | | | be injected intramuscularly. Since most Reproductive |
| been put back can cause the IVF cycle to fail. | | | | Endocrinologists recommend the injection be given |
| Reproductive endocrinologists routinely prescribe | | | | into the buttocks, the partner usually administers it. |
| progesterone support during the latter part of the | | | | Most of the time the progesterone in oil (PIO) is |
| IVF cycle and during the first 8-10 weeks of | | | | discontinued after 2 weeks and a daily vaginal |
| pregnancy. | | | | suppository is then used until 10 weeks of pregnancy. |
| During a normal menstrual cycle a woman is estrogen | | | | The vast majority of the time this is not actually |
| dominant during the first half and progesterone | | | | needed as the placenta starts to produce its own |
| dominant during the second half. Rarely a disorder | | | | progesterone. It doesn't hurt anything to have extra |
| called "Luteal Phase Defect" exists which causes | | | | progesterone during the first part of an IVF |
| there to be insufficient progesterone during the 2nd | | | | pregnancy however. Most women gladly use the |
| half of the cycle. IVF can sometimes temporarily | | | | progesterone suppositories, despite their messiness, |
| cause this problem in women who would normally | | | | for the duration they are prescribed. At around 10 |
| produce enough progesterone in a natural cycle. | | | | weeks of pregnancy the placenta completely takes |
| Typically, the progesterone is administered with a | | | | over the production of progesterone and |
| daily injection at home. Since the entire IVF process | | | | supplements are not needed. |