IVF Medication Surrogates Use

Gestational Surrogacy allows women to help others bring new life into the world and grow a family, but the medical process itself is different for surrogates than with a personal pregnancy of their own. With surrogacy, the uterus requires preparation to support the upcoming pregnancy or implantation.

There are three common hormones assist in this process. The first medication is Estrogen, second we have progesterone. These two medications prepare the uterus by mocking the surrogate’s natural cycle. The third medication is lupron. This medication makes sure the timing remains synchronized.

Estrogen
it may sound counter-intuitive, but as a surrogate, it is typically required to take birth control pills to prepare for surrogacy journey and coordinate the ovarian cycle. Estrogen helps thicken and build the uterine lining, maintaining early pregnancy.

Estrogen replacements are also given until the twelfth week of pregnancy. Why that particular week, you ask? That’s when the placenta takes over the job of hormone production! Estrogen can be administered through oral pills, suppositories, patches, or injection. Whichever IVF clinic the surrogate is attending, there her Reproductive endocrinologist (RE) will help her deiced which method is best moving forward.

Progesterone
The body makes progesterone after ovulation. Once uterine walls are thick enough, surrogate will start taking progesterone replacements to ensure successful implantation a few days before the embryo is transferred into the uterus. Progesterone signals the body to start making the correct nutrients to nourish the embryo.

As with estrogen, you stop progesterone replacements around the end of the twelfth week. It can be taken in the form of pills, suppositories, or gels, but the typical administration form is by intramuscular injection. Again, the surrogate will discuss this with the doctor.

Lupron
With that influx of hormones, your body will naturally react and try to reassert its natural cycle. Lupron keeps the timing on track by safely blocking the hormones that control your cycle. It’s like putting up a “Do Not Disturb” sign. It helps to synchronize your cycle with the egg donor’s or intended mother’s cycle before the transfer.

You start taking Lupron about two weeks after you begin birth control and stop it days before the intended mother’s or egg donor’s egg retrieval.

Embryo Transfer
The time has come! The surrogate will undergo an embryo transfer. Most experienced surrogates who have had this procedure done before say that it is a bit uncomfortable but it’s only for a minute. The procedure is quick, without having to take any pain medications before hand. It is common for the RE to recommend two full days of bed rest after the procedure. I would have to say myself this is one of the best first steps of becoming a surrogate carrier! I am being told I must relax for two entire days?

Pregnant
Your doctor will likely schedule a blood test 10-14 after you have had your transfer. After the blood work has been tested by the lab, your doctor will phone you to share the news with you!