Progesterone supplementation during in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles is commonly prescribed to support embryo implantation and early pregnancy. Progesterone helps prepare the uterine lining for potential embryo implantation after egg retrieval during IVF. It is usually administered vaginally or via intramuscular injection starting on the day of egg retrieval and may continue through the first trimester if pregnancy occurs. Studies have shown progesterone supplementation improves pregnancy rates for IVF cycles without significant health risks.

1. Fact Sheet
From ReproductiveFacts.org
The Patient Education Website of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine
Progesterone Supplementation
During In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Cycles
What is progesterone? When and how should I take progesterone?
Progesterone is a hormone produced by the Doctors usually prescribe progesterone
ovary. It is first detected in the middle of the supplementation to start on the day the eggs are
menstrual cycle when an egg is released harvested. If a pregnancy takes place, the doctor
(ovulation). Progesterone prepares the lining may tell you to continue taking progesterone
of the uterus (endometrium) to allow a fertilized throughout the first trimester. Progesterone
egg (embryo) to stick or implant. If a pregnancy can be taken as an intramuscular injection or
does not take place, progesterone levels will vaginally (suppositories, gel or vaginal tablets).
fall and you will have your period. If an embryo There appears to be no difference in the
implants into the lining of the uterus, the ovary chances of becoming pregnant or continuing a
will produce progesterone until eight weeks into pregnancy if progesterone is given by injection
the pregnancy. After that time, progesterone will or intravaginally. You should talk to your doctor
be produced by the placenta throughout the rest about which form of progesterone will better fit
of the pregnancy. your needs.
Why do doctors prescribe progesterone What are the risks of taking progesterone?
during fertility treatments? Many studies have been performed to look at
During an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle, the use of natural progesterone during infertility
medications are usually used to prevent you from treatment cycles. These studies have shown
releasing an egg early (premature ovulation). that progesterone will pose no significant risk
These medicines affect your progesterone to you or your baby. In 1999, the US Food and
levels. Therefore, your doctor may prescribe Drug Administration (FDA) did an in-depth
a progesterone supplement to make up for review of progesterone. They found that using
this decrease in your ovary’s ability to make synthetic progesterone may be associated with
progesterone. That way, an embryo can implant birth defects. Synthetic progesterone is primarily
and grow inside your uterus (womb). Many derived from the male hormone testosterone.
scientific studies have looked at pregnancy Therefore, natural progesterone agents should
rates in IVF cycles that used progesterone. only be used during early pregnancy.
These studies have shown that the rates are
much higher compared to cycles where no Revised 2011
progesterone was used.
For more information on this and other reproductive
health topics, visit www.ReproductiveFacts.org
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