Gestational Surrogacy Medications
Unlike becoming pregnant on your own, having a baby through surrogacy requires 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 IVF clinic, and we will support you in that education process. Below, we list out one example protocol.
Learn more about surrogate medications
Birth Control Pills
May be taken for approximately two months prior to transfer and are stopped a few weeks before 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 type of pill. Spotting, nausea, weight gain, mood changes.
Lupron
Starts approximately 1 month prior to ET 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 ET and up to week 12.
Low Dose Aspirin
Use
Aspirin assists with cycle stimulation and impending embryonic implantation.
Possible Side Effects
Upset stomach, heartburn, easy bruising or bleeding.
Vivelle Patches (estradiol)
Applied a few weeks before transfer and up to 12-weeks gestation.
Vivelle Patches (estradiol)
Use
Estrogen is a hormone that helps grow the lining of the uterus, which maintains an early pregnancy.
Possible Side Effects
Skin redness, irritation or rash, nausea, fluid retention.
Estrace (estradiol)
Started a few weeks before transfer and up to 12-weeks gestation.
Estrace (estradiol)
Use
Estrogen is a hormone that helps grow the lining of the uterus which maintains an early pregnancy.
Possible Side Effects
Bloating, mild nausea, or breast tenderness.
Progesterone / Prometrium / Endometrin
Started approximately 1 week prior to ET and up to 12-weeks gestation.
Progesterone
Use
Progesterone is the hormone necessary for the preparation of the uterine lining for the implantation of the embryo and the maintenance of early pregnancy.
Possible Side Effects
Breast tenderness, injection site tenderness, vaginal discharge and dizziness.
Medrol
Take for 3-4 days around the time of ET.
Medrol
Use
Medrol is a low-dose steroid pill to suppress the autoimmune system from interfering with embryo implantation.
Possible Side Effects
None
Doxycycline
Started a few days prior to ET, for approx. 5 days.
Doxycycline
Use
Doxycycline is a pre-cycle antibiotic that prevents any possible low-grade pelvic infection.
Possible Side Effects
None, but varies per individual.
Disclaimer: This is one example of a medication protocol, however, your journey may or may not follow this example. The IVF clinic working with you and your intended parents, once you are matched, will determine the protocol best for you.
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.
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