In order to support the endometrial lining at time of implantation and early pregnancy, supplemental progesterone is given. Progesterone supplementation is usually started the day after oocyte retrieval for luteal phase support following embryo transfer. These medications are commonly known as Prometrium®, Endometrin® and Crinone®. Progesterone can be given as a vaginal suppository, gel, capsules or intramuscular injection. If the pregnancy test is positive, progesterone is continued until the tenth week of pregnancy.

Medications/Side Effects

Some common side effects may include vaginal dryness, vaginal itching, nausea, headache, depression, changes in vaginal secretions, breast tenderness, and fluid retention.

Please notify your doctor at the RFP if you experience severe headache, vomiting, dizziness, trouble breathing, pain/swelling/warmth or redness in the lower legs, fainting, chest pain or visual changes as this could indicate the development of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

Pregnancy

A laboratory blood test for pregnancy (hCG) will be arranged for day 16 post embryo transfer if a transfer was done on day 3, or 14 days post embryo transfer if the transfer was done on day 5 . A clinic nurse will phone the patient the next day when the result is available to inform the patient of the result.

Following a positive pregnancy test, an early ultrasound (6-8 weeks gestation) is recommended. Luteal Phase Support with Progesterone is continued until 10 weeks gestation. As the Regional Fertility Program is exclusively devoted to fertility treatment, the clinic does not provide prenatal care or obstetrical care. Patients should arrange obstetrical follow-up with their family doctor or obstetrician. Following a negative outcome, all medications are stopped and a follow-up appointment should be booked to discuss cycle outcome and future treatment options.