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.

  • Birth Control Pills

  • Lupron

    Leuprolide Acetate
  • Low Dose Aspirin

  • Vivelle Patches (estradiol)

    Estradiol
  • Estrace (estradiol)

    Estradiol
  • Progesterone /
    Prometrium /
    Endometrin

  • Medrol

    Methylprednisolone
  • Doxycycline

  • 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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