Progesterone - PIO or crinone ?

cutebride73 · January 2011

In talking to my IVF coordinator at my RE's office she told me they would be ordering my PIO to start using after ER. I asked about crinone and she said that was fine too, but most people's insurance covers PIO at a much lower cost. I am looking into what my insurance will cover (it is generally very good).

If you had the choice for your IVF cycle, which did you or would you choose? Do you think they are both as effective? I have heard PIO shots are pretty painful and obviously crinone is not since it is gel.

Cost is obviously a factor, but if that was not an issue, which would you choose?

STL34 · January 2011

I had to use both PIO and endometrin supps. I did not get crinone as an option. So, I can't really compare. I didn't mind the PIO that much (the only time it really hurt was when I forgot to switch needles before injecting). I didn't like the endometrin. It was disgusting and irritated things.

My insurance doesn't cover IF treatment or meds. However, it covered PIO. It did not cover endometrin.

illinigal · January 2011

For IVF #1 I did PIO. The RE didn't give me an option. I didn't really mind the IM shots in the arse, but I'm not normal. I iced before the shot and used the heating pad for a few minutes afterwards. The worst part wasn't during the shot, it was the bruises that lasted for a few weeks even after I got a BFN and stopped the shots. Whenever they tested my progesterone level, it was always outstanding.

For IVF #2, they asked if I wanted to use PIO or crinone. Naturally, I asked which worked better and said I wanted whichever one was better. They told me the results were the same, and the nurse said why not save yourself from having to do more shots, so I did crinone. I wore a pantyliner everyday since sometimes there was some leakage. Once again, my progesterone levels were outstanding.... unfortunately, that isn't a sign of pregnancy.

For me, I was lucky enough that my treatments and all meds are covered by insurance. If cost is a factor for you, I would certainly check into it.

Itmamma · January 2011

I asked for pio, the supps are irritating to your lining and I got af on the supps. I thought that with progesterone you shouldn't get it. Pio gives better coverage and is measureable by blood test. It really isn't too bad, I have been doing it myself for weeks. It really doesn't hurt if you heat and massage, hope this helps and gl