During the early stages of pregnancy, progesterone plays a vital role following in vitro fertilization(IVF). It is usually given in the form of supplements, often prescribed to help prepare the lining of the uterus.
This makes it more receptive to the embryo that will be implanted. When you stop taking it too soon after IVF, it can have significant repercussions. We discuss this further:
Why is progesterone important in IVF?
Progesterone is super important when you’re doing IVF because it helps make your womb a cozy and conducive place for a baby to grow. I’ve always thought of it like fluffing up pillows on a bed for a guest.
In IVF, doctors give you extra of these to get your body ready for a baby to implant and grow. Progesterone thickens the uterus lining such that, the embryo (which is the tiny beginning of a baby) has a better chance to stick and stay put.
Without enough of it, even if an embryo gets placed in the uterus, it might not be able to stay and grow into a baby. That is why we deem it obviously super important when you’re trying to get pregnant, especially through IVF.
How long do you take progesterone shots after IVF transfer?
When you have an IVF, progesterone shots are usually given to you every blessed day to help your body get ready for the pregnancy.
Most of the time, you need to keep taking these shots for up to about 10 weeks after the embryo transfer, which is around 8 weeks into the pregnancy.
This is because, by then, your placenta is able to produce enough progesterone all by itself to keep the pregnancy healthy. But every woman’s situation is a slightly different.
And so your doctor will tell you exactly how long you should take your shots based on what you personally need.
What happens when you stop taking progesterone after IVF?
If you stop taking progesterone after IVF too early, it can cause problems because the pregnancy might not be able to keep going. Progesterone is the hormone that tells your body, “Hey, it’s time to get ready for a baby!”
It makes the inside of your uterus comfy and thick so the embryo has a good place to settle down and start growing.
Normally, your body starts to make its own progesterone after you get pregnant, but sometimes it needs a little extra help, which is where the shots or pills come in.
Doctors usually tell you to keep taking progesterone until you’re about 10 weeks pregnant because by that time, the placenta (which is like the baby’s supply center) is strong enough to make all the progesterone the baby needs by itself.
But if you stop the shots or pills sooner than the placenta is ready, the lining of your uterus might start to break down, and that can make it difficult for the baby to grow like it should.
FAQs ~ What Happens When You Stop Taking Progesterone After IVF?
Missing a single day of your progesterone during IVF isn’t ideal, but it usually won’t ruin everything. It’s important to get back on track right away.
If you miss a dose, let your doctor know. They’ll tell you what to do next. Keeping steady levels of progesterone is key for the best chance at a successful pregnancy.
Most of the time, if you stop taking progesterone at the time your doctor advises (usually around 8-10 weeks into the pregnancy), it should not lead to a miscarriage.
By this point, your body’s placenta is ready to make enough progesterone on its own. Always follow your doctor’s guidance on when to safely stop.
When it’s your doctor advicing you to stop, then you aren’t going to face any severe side effects. This’s because it’s timed with when your body is ready to take over its production.
However, some women find that they experience spotting, mood and appetite changes but significant side effects are rare. If you notice anything that makes you feel uneasy, it’s best to check in with your doctor.
This is a wrap ~ What Happens When You Stop Taking Progesterone After IVF?
Stopping progesterone after IVF is a significant step, and doing it at the right time is the most important thing to look at. Typically, by around 8 to 10 weeks into the pregnancy, the placenta develops enough to take over progesterone production naturally.
However, your doctor will advise you on when to stop based on your specific situation. If you notice unusual symptoms after stopping progesterone, talk it out with your doctor.
