Prometrium -- does it really make a difference?

[Anonymous]

I've heard there are no definititve studies that say it really makes a difference (but doesn't hurt) -- do you think it's helped/aided in implantation? Also, why do some REs prescribe the vaginal suppositories versus the IM injections -- is the latter for more "severe" cases -- e.g. people who have a documented lining issue or tendency to miscarry? thanks!

[Anonymous]

For IVF, it is definitely necessary, as you don't have the collapsed corpus luteums producing progesterone. For IUI or natural cycles, though, I'm not as sure the research is as clear. I think it's more in the "it can't hurt" category.

[Anonymous]

IMHO, it's in the "can't hurt" category. FWIW, I supplemented progesterone with all my pregnancies -- and they all still ended in miscarriages. It's a bit of a chicken and egg question that there doesn't seem to be any scientific answer to: do you have low progesterone BECAUSE the pregnancy isn't viable (and therefore you may miscarry) or might you have a miscarriage as a RESULT of low progesterone? In "Coming to Term" (a very informative book for anyone experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss), Jon Cohen talks about this question and cites that no studies have actually shown it to make a difinitive difference. But, as we all said, it can't hurt!!!

[Anonymous]

I think prometrium made all the difference for me. Progesterone was low (spotting 3-4 days before each period). the suppositories are more effective according to my RE. With both successful pregnancies I started the suppositories two days after ovulation. No spotting at all, and I stopped them both times at 10 weeks.

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure on the difference between vaginal supplements and IM. Shady Grove prescribed me vaginal inserts for 3 IUIs, and then IM shots for two IVF cycles (switching to vaginal inserts after the BFP). I asked, and the doctor told me that ther studies are just beginning to demonstrate that vaginal inserts are as good as IM shots, but Shady Grove isn't willing to make the switch yet with IVF.

I know people who have done IVF at Dominion Fertility and in Philadelpha, and both of them got to do vaginal inserts.

Our issue is male factor. I generally have good progesterone levels and lining, and no infertility diagnosis, so I was never sure why I needed to do the progesterone other than I think the other meds tend to "turn off" your natural cycle.

[Anonymous]

I used the vaginal suppositories with my IVF at Shady Grove - they gave me the option and that's what I chose because I was tired of the shots. I stopped using it at 10 weeks (much to my relief - they are so gross!).

[Anonymous]

My doc at SG said that pregnancy rates are slightly higher when progesterone is used.