Gestational Surrogacy Medications
Unlike becoming pregnant on your own, having a baby through the surrogacy process requires more than just prenatal vitamins. To help the body effectively prepare its hormones for pregnancy, this process will require medication. Once you and your intended parents are matched, you will be screened by and work with an IVF clinic on the medication approach that is most appropriate for you. You will, of course, have an opportunity to discuss any questions and concerns you may have with the physicians at that fertility clinic. We will also support you in that education process and in your surrogacy journey. Below, we list out one example protocol for a surrogate pregnancy.
Learn more about surrogacy medications
Birth Control Pills
May be taken for approximately two months prior to embryo transfer.
Birth Control Pills
Use
Birth control pills prevent conception (of a biological child) and regulate menstrual cycle prior to an embryo transfer.
Possible Side Effects
Vary depending on the type of pill. Spotting, nausea, weight gain, mood changes.
Lupron
Starts approximately 1 month prior to embryo transfer for approximately 2-3 weeks.
Lupron
Use
Lupron prevents the usual hormone exchange that causes follicle production and ovulation by suppressing pituitary stimulation to the ovaries.
Possible Side Effects
Headache, fatigue, hot flashes.
Low Dose Aspirin
Started approximately 1 month prior to embryo transfer and up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Low Dose Aspirin
Use
Aspirin assists with cycle stimulation and impending embryonic implantation.
Possible Side Effects
Upset stomach, heartburn, easy bruising, bleeding.
Vivelle Patches (estradiol)
Applied a few weeks before embryo transfer and up to 12-weeks of pregnancy.
Vivelle Patches (estradiol)
Use
Estrogen is a hormone that helps grow the lining of the uterus, which maintains an early pregnancy. Estradiol can be administered via cream, injection, oral tablet, patch, or suppository.
Possible Side Effects
Skin redness, irritation or rash, nausea, fluid retention.
Estrace (estradiol)
Started a few weeks before embryo transfer and up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Estrace (estradiol)
Use
Estrogen is a hormone that helps grow the lining of the uterus which maintains an early pregnancy. Estradiol can be administered via cream, injection, oral tablet, patch, or suppository.
Possible Side Effects
Bloating, mild nausea, breast tenderness.
Progesterone / Prometrium / Endometrin
Started approximately 1 week prior to embryo transfer and up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Progesterone or Prometrium or Endometrin
Use
Progesterone is the hormone necessary for the preparation of the uterine lining, thickening it to help ensure the implantation of the embryo and the maintenance of early pregnancy. Like estrogen, progesterone can be taken in various forms, such as capsules (Prometrium) and vaginal inserts (Endometrin).
Possible Side Effects
Breast tenderness, injection site tenderness, vaginal discharge, dizziness.
Medrol
Take for 3-4 days around the time of embryo transfer.
Medrol
Use
Medrol is a low-dose steroid pill to suppress the autoimmune system from interfering with embryo implantation.
Possible Side Effects
None
Doxycycline/Tetracycline
Started a few days prior to embryo transfer, for approx. 5 days.
Doxycycline or tetracycline
Use
Doxycycline and tetracycline are pre-cycle antibiotics that prevent any possible low-grade pelvic infection.
Possible Side Effects
None, but varies per individual.
Disclaimer: This is one example of a protocol for surrogacy medications; however, your journey may or may not follow this example, as every surrogate’s body is different and may react differently to specific medications. The IVF clinic working with you and your intended parents, once you are matched, will determine the protocol best for you and a successful pregnancy.
ConceiveAbilities® would like to acknowledge Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist, Angeline Beltsos M.D., for her care and consideration in providing this information on surrogate medications. Dr. Beltsos has served as the Medical Director of Fertility Centers of Illinois, SC IVF-River North.
Surrogacy Medication FAQs
Do Surrogates Have To Take Hormones?
Though every surrogate is different, hormones are generally required, as they help prepare for the IVF process and facilitate a healthy pregnancy.
Will Surrogates Always Experience Side Effects From Medication?
Some surrogates will experience all of the possible side effects we mentioned above in the example protocol, while others won’t experience any at all. The intensity of these side effects will also vary. If you have any concerns about specific side effects from surrogacy medications, your IVF clinic will work with you to address them.
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