Why is progesterone used in fertility treatment?

The progesterone hormone is essential for a healthy pregnancy. In fact, it is also known as the pregnancy hormone. This hormone is needed before and during a pregnancy. Thus, it is often a part of treatments for infertility.
Role of Progesterone before Pregnancy
After ovulation, the ovaries begin producing the progesterone hormone. This helps thicken the uterine lining or endometrium and prepares it to receive a fertilised egg. Progesterone levels are high about 5 days after ovulation. If this lining is not thick enough, the fertilized embryo will not be able to attach itself to the uterus and thus it might result in a miscarriage.
Role of Progesterone during Pregnancy
Once a woman has successfully conceived, the ovaries will continue to produce progesterone. This is a result of the increased levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone. At this stage, progesterone prevents the onset of a menstrual period. It also helps provide nourishment for the growing fetus.
A pregnant woman produces up to 10 times more progesterone than a woman who is not pregnant. Initially, this hormone is produced by the ovaries but after 8-10 weeks of a pregnancy, the placenta starts producing the progesterone instead.
Progesterone Use in Fertility Treatment
Progesterone is often prescribed to women undergoing IVF or any other form of assisted reproductive technology procedures. This is because the medicines used for these forms of fertility treatment may interfere with the normal progesterone production. So, progesterone supplements are prescribed to regulate the hormone levels.
Women may also be given progesterone supplements if their ovaries cannot produce the required amounts of this hormone or if their follicles have not developed enough to be able to release progesterone.
Forms of Progesterone Supplements
There are different ways in which progesterone may be administered. A doctor's preference for one form of progesterone over another is usually based on their experience. The ideal one for you is the one which is most convenient to administer. These different forms of progesterone include:
- Vaginal Gel - This is easy to use and must usually be applied once a day.
- Vaginal Suppositories - These must be inserted into the vagina and may be administered 2-3 times a day.
- Vaginal Inserts - These may be used to supplement progesterone but cannot be used in cases of progesterone replacement.
- Oral Capsules - These capsules may be taken orally.
- Injections -Progesterone injections are oil based and are considered the oldest form of administering progesterone. This injection is given in the buttocks and may be quite painful. Now a days, waterbased(aqueous) progesterone injections are also available which are considered less painful.
Side Effects
Progesterone does not pose any serious risks to a mother or child. However, there are certain side effects associated with it. These include:
- Headaches
- Drowsiness
- Joint pain
- Breast tenderness
- Dizziness
- Depression
- Hot flashes
- Problems with urination
- Pain in the abdomen
- Cramps
- Bloating and fluid retention
- Vaginal discharge
How severe PCOS can lead to infertility?
Know MoreWhat is Hydrosalpinx Removal?
Know MoreHow does prolactin may impact fertility?
Know MoreWhen is Hysteroscopy Recommended
Know MoreHow Can A Thrush Prevent Pregnancy in Women?
Know MoreHow Excess Facial And Body Hair Growth Related To Infertility?
Know MoreHow Does the Egg Get Fertilized?
Know MoreDoes Fluctuation In Weight Affect Female Infertility?
Know MoreDoes the Embryology Lab Need 24/7 Power Supply?
Know MoreWhy Every IVF Clinic Needs a Full-Time Embryologist
Know MoreWhat are Irregular Periods?
Know MoreWhat are the Female Factors that Affect IVF Success Rates?
Know MoreIs It Safe to Exercise During Pregnancy?
Know MoreDoes Exercise Help to Increase IVF Success Rates?
Know MoreDoes Over Exercise Affect Female Infertility Adversely?
Know MoreWhat are unethical practices in the IVF industry?
Know MoreWhat are Uterine Abnormalities?
Know MoreWhat are the Best Practices for Embryology Lab Management?
Know MoreWhat Happens to the Body When You Conceive?
Know MoreWhat is Amenorrhea?
Know MoreWhat is Endometriosis?
Know MoreEmbryoscope – Does It Really Help IVF Patients?
Know MoreHow to Read IVF Success Rates
Know MoreDefine Painful Periods and Its Causes
Know MoreWhat is Endometritis?
Know MoreWhat is Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases and Pelvic Adhesions?
Know MoreWhat Is Estrogen?
Know MoreWhat is Female Chlamydia?
Know MoreWhat is hypothalmic dysfunction?
Know MoreWhat is a Class 10000 IVF Lab?
Know MoreWhat is Recurrent Pregnancy Loss?
Know MoreWhat is Turner Syndrome?
Know MoreWhat are IVF Incubators?
Know MoreCan You Get Pregnant While on Your Period?
Know MoreCan Rubella Infection Make You Infertile?
Know MoreWhen Is Clomiphene Citrate Used During Fertility Treatment?
Know MoreHow can You Balance Your Career and Fertility?
Know MoreWhat are PCOS and PCOD?
Know MoreWhat Are Gonadotropins?
Know MoreWhat Are Chocolate Cysts?
Know MoreWhat Is Vaginismus?
Know MoreWhat is Urinary Incontinence (UI)?
Know MoreHow is Fallopian Tube Sterilization Reversal Done?
Know MoreTips for a Successful and Healthy Pregnancy
Know MoreWhat is Time-lapse Embryo Monitoring?
Know MoreWhat Is A Swyer Syndrome?
Know MoreHow Long Can Sperm Live Inside The Vagina After Intercourse?
Know MoreWhat is Abnormal Period?
Know MoreDoes IVF Success Rate Depend on Woman's Age?
Know MoreWhat is Reanastomosis?
Know MoreWhen Should You Take Progesterone While Trying To Conceive?
Know MoreWhat are Female Hormonal Problems?
Know MoreWhat are Female Hormonal Problems?
Know MoreHow to Check for Fertile Periods?
Know MoreHow Long is a Woman’s Egg Viable After Ovulation?
Know MoreWhat is Ectopic Pregnancy?
Know MoreWhat Is Ovarian Cancer?
Know MoreWhat is the IVF success rate in India?
Know MoreWhat are the causes of ovulation disorders?
Know MoreHow is Age an Important Factor for Fertility in Women?
Know MoreHow Does A Woman Know If She Is Infertile?
Know MoreWhat is Hysteroscopy?
Know MoreWhat is the recovery time for laparoscopic surgery?
Know MoreWhat is laparoscopic surgery for infertility treatment?
Know MoreHow is Laparoscopy related to infertility?
Know MoreWhat is Laparoscopy?
Know MoreHow is mentrual cycle regulated?
Know MoreWhat is a short luteal phase?
Know MoreWhat is CETROTIDE and why it is used in fertility treatment?
Know MoreWhat is Bromocriptine and why it is used in fertility treatment?
Know MoreWhy Is Letrozole Used in Fertility Treatment?
Know MoreWhat is Metformin and why it is used in fertility treatment?
Know MoreWhat is PGD and PGS?
Know MoreWhat Is Genetic Testing?
Know MoreWhat is a AMH test?
Know More