An Ode to Progesterone Supplements!

rooonilwaazlib

(I am 6DP IUI, on my second round of IUI, using frozen donor sperm, clomid, ovidrel, and progesterone)

Suppositories, injections, and oral medications. Oh my! After only my second month of fertility treatments, I am realizing the part I loathe most is the progesterone. I’m betting you do too. This is a place where we can gripe about the thing we need to be grateful for...the medicine that helps us and that we will take all throughout the first trimester of pregnancy when we get there! But it doesn’t make the side effects of the medicine any less fun. 

My first month I was blessed with using crinone suppositiories. When I wasn’t experiencing vaginal dryness like the Sahara Desert, I was expelling globs of white solid substance from myself - quite often happening together. My emotions were erratic (I cried when I realized I didn’t have enough leftovers for two days worth of lunch). I felt bloated, pimply, and crampy...it felt like a painful reimagining of puberty! AND THE CONSTIPATION. I tell ya what, if you haven’t taken crinone and you hate to poop more than 2-3 Times a week, then this medication is for you

rooonilwaazlib

(Continued) Not to mention crinone was costing me $585/box due to high deductible. SUPER fun!

This month I asked my PA if there were cheaper options. She suggested injectable progesterone in oil. Apparently it costs me $38/20day supply. SOLD! My butt aches, however my wallet is happy. I mean doesn’t this process cost us enough?!

Side effects so far: oily skin, pimples, constipation (Still having PTSD from last month so I am pumping myself full of Activia yogurt and Metamucil supplements), hunger like I haven't eaten in weeks although I usually just ate an hour ago, sore breasts, mood swings, sore butt (expected), and a really special experience where I can't sleep much past 4:30am.  I don't miss the globs and dryness though. 

I laugh because if this is the month I get pregnant, and I have to use this stuff for 10-12 more weeks, then nothing will give me greater joy! I promise to forget all about it and do it all over again for another kid if my wife lets me! But until that joyous time, I get to complain.  Progesterone, why'd ya have to be so cruel?? 

How bout you all!

tinjp78

@rooonilwaazlib I hear you. For me progesterone dries up my brain, it's all numb now from all the anxiety so I would just agree with the list you've made. I just hope that you get more relief from the side effects and happy distractions during this TWW! You got this.

stephanienj

@rooonilwaazlib . I'm just starting my first IVF cycle, and I've been ordered Crinone for after the retrieval.  I sincerely thank you for painting a clear picture on what I should expect.  I'd rather know the whole ugly truth rather than have the uncertainty, uncertainty gives me anxiety!   Now I can go into this expecting the worst and hoping for the best, lol. But if it works, it'll all be worth it!!    

rooonilwaazlib

@stephanienj it was my....well not pleasure...but you know what I mean!  And you're absolutely right, if it all works then we'll magically forget all the pain and suffering that brought us to our goal. Best of luck! 

bertany

Ugh! I am taking estrace tablets and progesterone tablets vaginally. No idea what is causing me to be so dry (the clomid, estrace, or progesterone?) but something’s gotta give! Also the estrace tablets are giving me a blue discharge so it’s like smurf sex

rooonilwaazlib

@bertany I'm guessing it's the progesterone. I didn't know vaginas could be as dry as mine was on the crinone suppositories.  Literal HELL! 

I suggest some lubricant if you need it. There was one night I didn't even think I could get the suppository in on its own.  Just make sure the lube agrees with TTC.  IDK much about lubricants, I know that some are bad for when you're TTC.  

Also I'm sorry but I LOLed at smurf sex.  I hope things get better for you soon!

bertany

I did pick some up called conceive easy because me and DH tried timed intercourse for my first cycle instead of an IUI. I felt like it worked for a minute and then I started to dry out again. It was super frustrating because we never had this issue before! Have you tried another brand that you think works well? 

Hahah! My nurse didn’t warn me about it either so it was the first thing I thought when I saw it LOL! 

bertany

How do you tag others? I hit reply to you but it didn’t tag you in my post 

rooonilwaazlib

@bertany (To tag, you first use the @ symbol, and then start typing someone else's name)

I don't have any suggestions, but ask your doctor what is safe, as not all are when TTC.  We are a same sex couple, so I just told my wife to stay outta there for the time being.  I don't have the dryness issue at all using the progesterone in oil shots.  If you're cool with needles, maybe consider it.  Its side effects and the annoyance/pain of shooting in the butt every night pale in comparison to the frustration I had with crinone.  Just one woman's opinion!

bertany

Thank you for the suggestions!!! Now I am getting irritation down there from them and idk what to try! Going to email my nurse in the morning to see if she has any recommendations 

ginny_203

This is fantastic! I've been on Crinone for 8 days but hadn't really experienced any side effects. I finally hit my breaking point on Sunday when I started sobbing uncontrollably after leaving a family party filled with little kids. The actual breakdown lasted for a good hour and a half (lucky husband who was stuck in the car with me for 3 hours!) but the weepies continue. No constipation or other preg symptoms though as others describe, which makes me feel like maybe it's not even working.

ashleymarie512

I’ll join in the progesterone hate! I’ve been on PIO for almost two weeks and while my haunches are sore, I’ll gladly stab away to sustain this little babe. I’m in my TWW, so potentially have another 12 weeks of this. My moment of pride is that I started out giving them to myself this cycle (out of necessity) and have done every one myself! 

greenhillgirl

@ashleymarie512 Do you have any tips for doing them yourself? Hopefully after my ER I will be doing PIO (have it on hand from pharmacy already) and DH works nights. I kind of like doing my stims solo- I'm controlling  

ashleymarie512

@greenhillgirl I start by warming it up first. I do this by sticking the vial under my boob for a little bit lol. Then when it comes time to inject, just make sure you dart it in fast, push the plunger slow, and rub the spot when you’re done. I’m also controlling and did my stims alone too. The key is to dart that sucker in quick and don’t second guess or try to push it in slow. They’re really not bad at all! 

Knottie60076601

Now that DH and I are past our first few shots of the progesterone injections and I'm over the fainting (almost) and he's over the sweating (a lot), I can confidently say that I would take them ANY DAY over the suppositories! It is much better for the sex life and life in general. How is it that no one has made an applicator for those awful pills yet?! I am starting to have major discomfort in certain poses in yoga class, but I'd still take the needle over the pills! @ashleymarie512 - I would also be interested in any tips on self administering the injections, just in case! I find out tomorrow about our FET and am planning on a BFP so we'll be doing these injections for many more weeks and I'm sure there will be a time or two when DH is unavailable...

ashleymarie512

@Knottie60076601 During my last cycle with my DD I went on a girls trip and had no choice but to do my own. So glad I did! The first one is the hardest, but like I said above, as long as you warm the oil and dart the syringe quick and dart-like, I hardly feel it! 

Knottie60076601

Thanks! I also did all of my own stims, but am more concerned about the positioning of this one. Are you doing yours in your haunches? I just don't understand how one can crane their torso around to the back and be able to steady their hands. Maybe a mirror is required.

greenhillgirl

Same question! @Knottie60076601 LOL

ashleymarie512

@greenhillgirl @Knottie60076601 Yup, doing them in my haunches. If I’m shooting in my left hip, I’ll use my left hand. I use my right hand to hold my boob out of the way, and just twist, and vice versa. I’m a heavier gal, so there’s boobage to move, but it seems to work out fine. My first few were too far to the side, though DH said they were still effective, so just made a point to shoot further back. 

stephanienj

@ashleymarie512 .  Thank you for the chuckle, LOL.  I can't speak about the PIO, I'm just starting my first cycle, and have been ordered Crinone, but I can totally relate to the boobage as it's a factor of everyday life!  It's amazing how many things involve moving a boob out the way!!!

roadrunnerrita

I thought this was going to be a limerick. 

greenhillgirl

lol @ashleymarie512 and @roadrunnerrita

Please write a limerick

I have huge boobs and will probably end up smothering myself trying to twist around. Tonight is my first time- bats eye lashes.