Vaginal Progesterone Tablets after IVF - how important are they? Mine keep coming out!!!

[Anonymous]

So I'm 3 after a 5dt under IVF, and started progesterone right after retrieval (so 8 days ago). I was told to insert the table 3X day 2-3 inches into my vagina. I'm trying my very best, but most times I'm finding my underwear caked with an amount of residue that I swear, approximates the size of the whole tablet if not nearly half. I haven't talked to the clnic about it, but will tomorrow. There are seldom times where the residue isn't there ( but that's been rare).

Could I be hampering the success of my IVF if my body isn't absorbing the full tablet? I know I have an odd cervix, and when they did my HSG (dye test), my dye would could right back out and they had to work on it to get the right size of whatever they use to get the dye to go inside of me. They told me it was something to do with the shape of my cervix.

Anyways, this could be the problem, b/c I'm certain I'm dispensing the tablet at least 2 inches.

Anyway, could I be risking my IVF success if it feels like my progesterone isn't being fully absorbed?

My nipples are very tingly, so not sure if it's a progesterone symptom or an early pregnancy symptom? I have read online it could be caused by either, so not sure ....

[Anonymous]

^ 3days into a 5dt under IVF^^

[Anonymous]

Check with your doctor for reassurance but having a lot (and I mean, a lot) of residue is totally normal with those.

[Anonymous]

Yes, that's the lovely side effect of progesterone suppositories -- a big mess. You're doing it right. I would insert them right before getting into bed, put a pad on and then getting in the horizontal position. That helped.

Just wear a light pad during the day.

[Anonymous]

Are you putting them in right before you go to bed?

[Anonymous]

Ask for a prescription of Endometrin. They come with an applicator, are made for vaginal application, and dissolve nearly without residue. I did not find them messy at all. Downside is they are expensive, so if your insurance doesn't cover them, it's not cheap. I Initially used 3, then two tablets daily up to week 12. I do think the progesterone is important.

[Anonymous]

OP here. I called the clinic today and was told not to worry and that this is normal. And that is why they prescribe three b/c they expect some to come out. To PP, I think I have what you're referring too. I do use an applicator to insert, but honestly mine still leaves a big mess. I feel a little reassured now. I do think at night it's not as messy since I'm sleeping afterwards but the two during the day that normally leave more residue ( perhaps from walking around etc after).

[Anonymous]

Yes, very important to take them, but it is ok. Try laying flat for 10 min or so after insertion, that is enough time for most of the active ingredient to be absorbed, and wear a pad to throw away the mess that is mainly the casing of the tablets.
Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Set your alarm for an hour early, put one in, go back to sleep, then shower. Do another before bed. The afternoon one will be tough.
Those things are just messy. Sounds normal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, very important to take them, but it is ok. Try laying flat for 10 min or so after insertion, that is enough time for most of the active ingredient to be absorbed, and wear a pad to throw away the mess that is mainly the casing of the tablets.
Good luck!

If it's Endometrin, there is no casing. Endometrin are individually wrapped white tablets. Some of the carrier material will flow out, but it's nothing compared to using Prometrium capsules vaginally. The applicator is about 5 inches long, so I always managed to shove them up almost to the cervix.

[Anonymous]

Are you also doing the injections? I did both inserts and shots in the butt every other day. I put inserts I as far as they would go and they still made a mess. RE said the inserts are just back up for the shots anyhow. Your body metabolizes the insert progesterone in a few hours. But I think the shots take over a week to leave your system. I think after IVF you want the shots to be certain. My prog level was 90 after 7 days on both. Pregnant now from first IVF.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Congrats PP on the pregnancy.

Yes I do have the 'Endometrium' tablets with the 5inch applicator. I am getting better and better at inserting it very deep inside. I think initially I was inserting it but not deep inside and perhaps it's more lay lowing and so the messy residue. Now I'm getting more proficient at it and it's going close to the cervix too. Hopefully I didn't mess anything up. I'm 5dp5dt for my first IVF currently.

[Anonymous]

OP are you also doing injection? I think injection is the gold standard after IVF. I would also recommend getting your progesterone tested to give you comfort that your body is absorbing enough. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP are you also doing injection? I think injection is the gold standard after IVF. I would also recommend getting your progesterone tested to give you comfort that your body is absorbing enough. Good luck.

Injections are not the gold standard for IVF progesterone treatment anymore, otherwise most clinics would still use it, which I don't think is the case. I read somewhere that the IM progesterone is not used in Europe at all anymore. And SG, for instance, the biggest fertility clinic in the country, doesn't either. If they thought it would benefit their stats, they would surely prescribe it. Vaginal application gets the progesterone right where it is needed, with fewer side effects.

[Anonymous]

My clinic has me doing IM injections every morning...ouch, but ironically better then leaky inserts, and an insert every night. My insert tries to come out also (I have a very retroverted uterus) but I literally put it in and jump into bed.

Why don't you have them check your progesterone level via blood test? It is very important to keep it up. That way, no 'what-ifs" and if its too low, you can ask about injections.

Good luck!