IVF Support And Progesterone – The Side Effects

If you’re undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), your doctor would typically prescribe you the progesterone hormone, to help develop a conducive environment for embryo implantation, thereby supporting an active pregnancy. Progesterone could be administered in multiple ways when on IVF support South Yarra. The two common routes are through the vagina and at the hip, via an intramuscular injection. The side effects could vary based on the administration route.

PMS-like Symptoms

Most ladies only experience minor side effects from administering progesterone when taking IVF treatment since the usage is for a short period. Using progesterone when on IVF is immediately stopped if the pregnancy exam turns negative. In case of a positive outcome, progesterone usage is continued for the initial 9-12 weeks of being pregnant until the placenta generates sufficient progesterone on its own for supporting pregnancy.

The common side effects courtesy progesterone are the ones mimicking premenstrual syndrome. You could experience bloating, headaches, breast tenderness, irritability, depression, mood swings, and sleepiness. As these symptoms could be induced by either an imminent pregnancy or period, women are persuaded to continue with their post-IVF medicines until the pregnancy test is done with.

Side Effects of Muscle Injection

When progesterone is made available as liquid to be injected in the muscle, oil is the liquid used for carrying the progesterone. Though progesterone as oil hasn’t been approved for IVF usage by the FDA, some doctors still side with traditional progesterone as it spikes up levels of progesterone in the blood much more than any other progesterone administration method. However, several women state these intramuscular injections are painful. There are some who are allergic to oil, developing rashes, painful lumps, or hives at the injection site. Women experiencing these symptoms must inform their physician about this allergy so that an alternative progesterone treatment can be administered.

Vaginal Side Effects

Administering progesterone through the vagina has lesser side effects compared to intramuscular administration. However, it also creates lesser progesterone in the blood. In case progesterone is provided as a vaginal or suppository cream, vaginal irritation could be a likely side effect. Some ladies find the creams unpleasant to use and messy. Some also develop yeast infections. Another possible negative effect is vaginal dryness.

Cardiovascular Effects

It’s rare to see patients experiencing dangerous side effects such as progesterone usage resulting in blood clots. In case a blood clot is formed, the symptoms could be persistent calf pain, breath shortness, coughing up blood or sharp chest pain. Also, you may experience symptoms of stroke such as sudden headache, blindness, dizziness without or with fainting, vomiting, speech issues, or sudden limb weakness.