As a Gestational Surrogate taking medication is an important part of the journey!
With natural conception your body will naturally produce hormones to help prepare your uterus for conception and maintaining the pregnancy. In the beginning of the Surrogacy process it is important to prepare your body for pregnancy with supplemental hormones and other medication.
In preparation you will be prescribed a variety of medication both oral and injectable. Medication will vary depending on your IVF Physician and how your body responds to the medication regimen. Medication is based on the individual need during your surrogacy journey. The medication will control your menstrual cycle and make for the perfect window to perform an embryo transfer.
Remember! To take medication as directed by your IVF Physician as it is key in having a successful transfer and pregnancy.
Here are the 8 Medications you will most likely take during your Gestational Surrogate journey:
1. Doxycycline
How it is used: Doxycycline is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body. Your partner and and yourself may be prescribed this antibiotic early in your surrogacy journey. It will treat any possible low-grade pelvic infection that may currently exist. This will ensure that your body accepts the embryo when implantation takes place.
Administration: Oral tablet typically taken before embryo transfer and after transfer.
Potential Side Effects: Most women will not experience side effects with doxycycline, but this may vary by individual.
2. Lupron
How it is used: Lupron prevents your natural cycle from interfering with the surrogacy process by suppressing the ovaries to prevent premature ovulation.
Lupron is usually used in simultaneously with birth control pills to coordinate the embryo transfer at the right time.
Administration: Lupron is a self-administered injection. Typically beginning 14 days after starting birth control, and your dosage will likely decrease when your menstrual cycle starts.
Potential Side Effects: Lupron may include headache, fatigue and hot flashes.
3. Estrogen
How it is used: Estrogen is a naturally produced hormone by the ovaries. It thickens the uterine lining and will help maintain an early pregnancy.
Administration: Typically an oral tablet but also could be a suppository, injection or a patch applied to the skin.
Potential Side Effects: Side effects may vary as you may experience bloating, nausea or breast tenderness. Weight changes, headache, skin redness,, stomach upset and cramping.
4. Progesterone
How it is used: Progesterone is a hormone produced by the ovaries after ovulation. It will also prepare the uterus for embryo implantation.
Administration: Typically an intramuscular injection but also could be a suppository, gel or pills. Taken before embryo transfer and continued until the 12th week of pregnancy to help maintain a stable pregnancy.
Potential Side Effects: Side effects of progesterone may include bloating, irritability and tenderness of the injection site, breast tenderness, vaginal discharge and dizziness.
5. Aspirin
How it is used: A daily low-dose aspirin assists with cycle stimulation. Aspirin has been suggested to typically improve implantation rates.
Administration: Oral tablet typically used during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Potential Side Effects: Minor but may include upset stomach and heartburn.
6. Tetracycline
How it is used: A antibiotic taken a few days prior to the embryo transfer to prevent infection and rejection of the embryo.
Administration: Oral tablet.
Potential Side Effects: Minor stomach upset and sun sensitivity.
7. Medrol
How it is used: A low-dose steroid that is used to suppress the autoimmune system and can increase the chances of a successful embryo implantation.
Administration: Oral tablet typically taken a few days before and on day on embryo transfer.
Potential Side Effects: Most women will not experience side effects from taking Medrol.
8. Prenatal Vitamins
How it is used: These vitamins ensure that you and the baby are getting the proper nutrients and encourage healthy growth and development for the baby.
Administration: Oral, typically taken before the transfer and throughout your pregnancy.
Potential Side Effects: Mild constipation, diarrhea, nausea or upset stomach.