Progesterone Medications for TTC – The Many Faces of Hell
Oh the beauty of medication, right?
I will totally preface unless you’ve been on Progesterone Medications you will probably not want to read this post. I am going to lay some truth down and it’s not very PC.
Alright, I’ve done my due diligence so hello for those of you still here!
Now, what’s up with these damn Progesterone Medications.
I seriously can’t think of a better invitation to total humiliation and sheer pain.
In my course of treatment I’ve had the pleasure of being on oral, suppository and injectable progesterone. All various faces of hell in my book!
Before I bash them, it’s important I point out why progesterone is crucial for fertility treatments.
Progesterone is vital for building the uterine lining and nourishing the fetus once you become pregnant. More often than not, people going through some form of ART (assisted reproductive technology) are placed on Progesterone Medications.
A quick bio lesson — the body normally produces progesterone after ovulation. Since IVF manipulates the normal cycle, it’s a routine part of treatment to put a patient on these medications to provide support for preparing the uterus for implantation. Until the body kicks into gear and starts naturally producing progesterone (usually around 9 weeks), most IVF patients who have a frozen embryo transfer will remain on the progesterone shots until that point in their journey.
I know, it’s a real party, right?
It gets better, just wait!
First off, the progesterone shot needle is longer than my big toe. Pardon my need for a pedicure but that’s the visual I took for my sisters last night.
I can tell you this, it hurts like a tetanus shot but it’s in the butt! Yep, when people say “IM”, they mean intramuscular injection in your upper right buttox and that shit hurts!
But, I survived and I know you will too. I am going to keep track of natural remedies to help soothe the pain so I’ll be sure to do a follow up post when I get a good list going.
If your doctor puts you on the other two progesterone types, oral or suppository, don’t worry, I’ve been on those too.
The oral medication literally caused me to feel reckless and hangry all the time. My hubs called it my crazy pills and had to hide the popcorn from me after I took it. I did this medication while they were trying to figure out why I wasn’t ovulating a few years ago.
Now, the lovely progesterone suppository.
This gem has taken on many names in the #ttccommunity, like “vag tabs” and “vagina chocolates”; hey, that makes you laugh, right? Either way, it’s a first class ticket to humiliation. But then again, when your husband has literally seen you at your absolute worst, #shame has no name anymore.
Well, I think that sums up the Progesterone Medications for today. Here’s to hoping the next 9 weeks of shots go smoother and with less pain!
Sending you hugs,
Liz