Progesterone suppositories - extreme TMI!!!

[Anonymous]

Okay, this is my last cycle of IVF (it's been a very lousy 6 cycles over a year and half and we're DONE after this) so of course I want to do everything I can control as well as I can.

I've always had problems with the progesterone leaking out. Doc says it's normal, but honestly it never feels like it gets very far up there. I have short fat fingers so I'm afraid I'm just not getting it where it needs to go. Has anyone else had this problem? I'm thinking I need something to push it up there, like a tampon applicator.

The reason I'm worried is that after one of our two transfers (both were BFNs), I got my period after only 9 days. Doc says that progesterone should have kept it at bay until at least day 12, so I'm worried that my progesterone levels just weren't high enough.

Thoughts? Help! Thank you!

[Anonymous]

So I haven't had this problem myself (though they are kinda leaky...blech), but what about inserting them with an empty tampon applicator (cardboard)? Just take the tampon out, but the capsule in, and insert. Just an idea.

[Anonymous]

I don't know if you use Preseed or not, but I was thinking of using the applicator that comes with that.

Any chance your DH could help you?

[Anonymous]

Also try to insert am one very early in morning. Set you alarm for an hour before you get up, put it in and go back to sleep or lay around. I also found that sticking it in, then putting a tampon in pushes it up further but the preseed applicators sound like they may work. Good luck to you!

[Anonymous]

It doesn't need to be that far in there. Just far enough so that you can't feel it any more. It doesn't have to be right next to your cervix or anything like that. Just use your longest finger. If you want to use a tampon to push it up further you can try that - I wouldn't take the tampon out first, though, because then the capsule might get stuck inside the cardboard tube.

The progesterone doesn't leak out -- it is absorbed. What's leaking out is the gelatin that surrounds the capsule, and some oily stuff -- the non-active ingredients.

Your doctor should test you if there's a concern about your progesterone levels. One way to work with that might be to have you take the suppositories more often.

[Anonymous]

My RE has given me Endometrin (progesterone) suppositories for my IVF cycles. I have to take 3 a day, but they come with individual applicators. Maybe ask about those? Also agree that you might want to request testing if you are worried about not getting enough. I don't get my period for 3-6 days after I stop mine.

[Anonymous]

My doc prescribed me Endometrin suppositories. Fortunately they come with applicators. I couldn't use prometrium because it contains nut oils and I'm allergic.

[Anonymous]

I didn't start off allergic to nut oils, but I swear I'm start to develop something. The unavoidable leaking is causing a lot of irritation. I'm so happy for the REASON I'm taking it, but I can't wait until this trimester is over.

[Anonymous]

The endometrin leaks too but it's not as messy and irritating as the oil based ones. Its more chalky. Maybe see if you can switch?

[Anonymous]

The endometrium irritated my lady bits and irritated my husband's junk. Not at first but after a few days. The nurse switched me to prometrium. Leaking is kinda gross bc it is oily and can stain if you don't have pantyliner.

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys. I talked to the OB today and they're giving me some of the samples of Endometrin - I'll just use the applicator and carefully wash and use with my Prometrium. She also said it can't hurt to take a fourth if I'm feeling worried. I don't even know if I'll have anything to transfer (only 4 growing embryos and I have a bad history of abnormals) so this may all be for naught. But at least I'm giving it one last try! Thanks everyone.

[Anonymous]

Good luck hun, let us know what happens!
Btw which clinic r u going to where they test for normals/abnormals?

[Anonymous]

Not the OP, but the testing for normal/abnormal is PGD testing (additional test/more $) and all clinics do it if the patient requests it.

[Anonymous]

I found that the plastic applicator from an over the counter yeast infection cream is a great tool to insert the progesterone (SV2) capsules. They rest nicely in the tip and the plunger gently deposits it in place.

[Anonymous]

Another vote here for endometrin. It's expensive, but it's much easier to insert and isn't oily. Prometrium started irritating me to the point that I felt like I was on fire. I tolerated endometrin just fine. Good luck!