FET -- PIO versus suppositories

[Anonymous]

I will soon undergo an FET, and can choose whether to use injections of suppositories for progesterone.

My IVF doctor told me that suppositories are just as effective as injections. It would be nice to avoid the shots, which I've heard are terribly painful. But it seems like many online posters say the suppositories have their own "ick" factor: spotting from irritation and messiness.

And, of course, there's the worry that suppositories aren't truly as effective as shots.

For those who have undergone an FET, did you choose the shots or suppositories and why/how did you make the decision?

[Anonymous]

I did PIO twice and PIO +suppositories 1 time. The suppositories were messy and cause me to spot and freak out. the PIO wasnt so painful, and at least you knew you were getting it done and it was over.

[Anonymous]

I did Crinone for my FET last year. It is messy, and there's a (TMI, I know) buildup of Crinone over time that can be somewhat annoying, but I wanted to avoid injections. I didn't have any issues with spotting, although I know for some women the inserts can cause irritation of the cervix. I had used Crinone for previous IUI cycles, with no issues.

FWIW, my FET was successful.

[Anonymous]

I liked suppositories (used in fresh cycles) waaaay more than shots. But my RE said for FETs there is some evidence that shots are more effective, though they don't know the reason. I'm 38w from a FET cycle using shots (got progesterone in ethyl oleate which is a little easier).

[Anonymous]

I am using suppositories. This time I used a lot of coconut oil on the area & when I insert, and I've had no irritation. Still have to wear pads for the mess. It's sort of up to you... I have heard that the shots are really painful for some women.

[Anonymous]

I've used the suppositories three times and never had any issues. There was a little bit of discharge so I wore a liner, but I didn't really need it -- it was more for just in case. Inserting them was easy enough with practice. I'd go that route before shots, but that's me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've used the suppositories three times and never had any issues. There was a little bit of discharge so I wore a liner, but I didn't really need it -- it was more for just in case. Inserting them was easy enough with practice. I'd go that route before shots, but that's me.

Meant to say for 3 pregnancy attempts, that is, about 5 weeks of suppository use each time. Not only three times.

[Anonymous]

I used suppositories. No problems for me. 12 weeks pregnant.

[Anonymous]

Can you do some of each, which sort of hedges the bets on which is more effective? And gives you a chance to see which you prefer.

[Anonymous]

I'm using suppositories. Besides the annoyance of having to insert 3x a day I haven't experienced any side effects. I wear a panty liner.

I chose suppositories because recent studies have shown they are just as effective. I've always had a feeling that a lot of what we ladies go through for infertility and childbirth would be a lot easier if men also had to experience it. Why have to take intramuscular shots for 12 weeks if you don't have to? No man would tolerate that when there's another option.

Fwiw I am pregnant now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can you do some of each, which sort of hedges the bets on which is more effective? And gives you a chance to see which you prefer.

That's really unnecessary and silly.

[Anonymous]

Those shots hhhhhhhhhuuuuurrrrrrrtttttttt. And the pain lasts for weeks on the injection point. I had not problem with the stim meds but the pio is another beast. The suppositories did not bother me, though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can you do some of each, which sort of hedges the bets on which is more effective? And gives you a chance to see which you prefer.

That's really unnecessary and silly.

My only bfp was from doing exactly this. I was on the sustain study at SG. I was assigned to the "both" study group.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can you do some of each, which sort of hedges the bets on which is more effective? And gives you a chance to see which you prefer.

I did both shots and inserts. I travel a bit for work and didn't want to do the PIO shots myself. I prefer the inserts by far. Messy, but the shots kill. My second DE cycle was successful and I'm 4 months post partum and I still can feel where the shots went in. Doesn't really hurt, but it's still a dull pain...

[Anonymous]

When are you supposed to do the shots/insert and for how long of a duration?

I hated the suppositories when I did a fresh cycle but got the hang of it after some time.