Progesterone.. advice

[Melodyrose2018]

I received Ivf abroad and was given some progesterone pessaries but needed to continue on them.. my GP prescribed me the same make (Utrogestan) but when I got home noticed it said ‘take 4’ on label which led me to read instructions inside telling me to take them orally. I now don’t know what to do as I heard they’re not as effective orally, they look exactly the same so not sure whether to just use them as pessaries anyway.. any advice??? I desperately don’t want to do anything to cause risk to my pregnancy.

[Hidden]

Hey

I would get in touch with the clinic or pharmacy. They will be able to advise best.

Wishing you all the best xxx

[Stacia]

I take the same as well and the packet says orally but I was given instructions to insert them. The Drs know best. You should however know why they are inserted instead of being swallowed, so give them a call but rest assured it's a common thing. Good luck xx

I'm 5dpt and inserting 4 as well

[Scarlett13 in reply to Stacia]

How many a day are you taking? X

[Hidden]

Hi Melodyrose, I am taking the same internally and the instructions say orally,I think it's something to do with the fact that they get absorbed better and faster. I agree with Camillage though would be best to check with clinic for peace of mind xx

[Scarlett13 in reply to Hidden]

How many a day are you using? X

[Hidden in reply to Scarlett13]

Hey Scarlett,4 in the morning and 4 in the evening x

[Scarlett13 in reply to Hidden]

Oh wow I’m on 3 pessaries a day, 600mg total - I felt like it might not be much?!

[Scarlett13 in reply to Hidden]

How much are each of yours? Dosage wise?

[Hidden in reply to Scarlett13]

They are 100mg,so having 800mg in total per day x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Last time I bled during the 2ww and they upped me to 1000mg

[Saya85 in reply to Hidden]

Lisaworthy1981

Thought this thread might reassure you re: pessary doses variation.

Scarlett13

I'm glad I'm not the only one saying it ,- it's impossible to know what the 'correct dose' is and for some reason so many clinic in UK dotn test progesterone ! Probably because it can vary considerably too.

But yes if you are prone to bleeding as you and I both did in first cycle and if you had no issue with the injections etc you should probably up dose.

As you can see it's perfectly safe to take much higher doses and this is usually the time.of implantation- so yes you could be having cramps from that but if it was me I'd also make sure my lining was strong x

[Scarlett13 in reply to Saya85]

Thank you xxx

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi Melodyrose. Of course check with the clinic, but I’m sure you will find that they are safe to insert vaginally. There are a few drugs like this that can be taken “either, or”, but the progesterone in these are absorbed much quicker vaginally/rectally than swallowing them. Wishing you well with it all. Diane

[Scarlett13 in reply to DianeArnold]

Hi Diane, I’m taking 3 a day vaginally, so 600(mg I think), but it seems like lots of others are on a higher dose than me. I’m on day 7 past a 5 day transfer and for the first time on this 2ww I’m getting what feels like period cramps. I last used pessaries after my first go at ivf and my period started on day 8. With my last 3 transfers I’ve used IM or sub-cut injections and my period has started later each time. I’m now on my 5th transfer and I’m back on the pessaries again as it’s my first private round and the pessaries were a few hundred pounds cheaper to do than lubion and the nurse reassured me that most people use them. Just wondering if I’d be better off taking 4 a day instead. Just hope this feeling doesn’t mean I’m going to get AF again early.... what are your thoughts/knowledge on pessaries versus injecting and dosages of progesterone? X

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK in reply to Scarlett13]

Hi Scarlett. I can fully understand how anxious you feel. The pessaries do the job just as well as injecting, and can cause aching. I can’t see that it would be harmful to add another one if you feel it will put your mind at rest. Do let the clinic know when you can though.

[Scarlett13 in reply to DianeArnold]

Thanks Diane for your quick reply x

[MissSaoPaulo]

I'm on utrogestan too, taking it vaginally. The box does say 'orally' but I believe they're often prescribed to be used as pessaries. I've read it's because they're absorbed closer to where you want them, without your body having to process them through digestion, and apparently this can mean fewer side effects too.

Best of luck hon xxx

[Scarlett13 in reply to MissSaoPaulo]

How many a day do you take? X

[MissSaoPaulo in reply to Scarlett13]

Effing loads, it's costing me a fortune!!! Started off on 1000 mg (5 capsules/day) but Dr wasn't happy with my progesterone levels when tested 1 week after transfer so he upped it to 8/day (1600 mg) seems like an awful lot compared to other amounts I'm seeing people taking but better safe than sorry I guess!!

[Melodyrose2018]

Thanks everyone this has really helped, at least I know I’m not doing anything wrong now x

[Scarlett13]

How many a day have you been asked to take?

[Melodyrose2018 in reply to Scarlett13]

I take 4 in morning and 4 in evening. I also had awful period like cramps and was so worried but I’m now 4 weeks ☺️

[Scarlett13 in reply to Melodyrose2018]

Oh wow that’s good to know!!! Congratulations xxx

[Melodyrose2018 in reply to Scarlett13]

Thankyou. Sending you loads of luck xx