Luteal Support

In IVF cycles, it is the time when the embryo is transferred back into your uterus for implantation.

Progesterone is a hormone that is important in making the endometrium receptive for embryo implantation. During IVF, when your natural hormones are suppressed, your doctor will prescribe supplemental progesterone. It can also be given for couples who suffer from miscarriages in which the doctor suspects “luteal phase defect” is the reason for such condition.

What does it involve?

Both progesterone(e.g. ENDOMETRIN®) and human Chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) supplementation can be done for luteal support. The supplementation is usually started on the evening of or the day following egg retrieval, as a way to prepare the uterine lining before embryo transfer.

Supplemental progesterone is initially prescribed at the first or second pregnancy test. After that, if you are pregnant, the prescription will be continued for about another 8 to 10 weeks. By that time, the placenta is almost fully developed and should be able to produce its own supply of hormones to support the rest of the pregnancy.

hCG administration is usually done by injection, but there are a number of ways for administrating progesterone.

What are the different ways of taking progesterone?

There are a number of options available and your doctor will decide which one is best suited your individual needs. Here are the current methods from which your doctor may choose: