Infertility Support Group

In vitro fertilization is one of the most common and utilized ways of treating conception problems. This support group is dedicated to those beginning their journey with IVF and needing support. Join the community and share your experiences, advice, and story with people going through similar challenges starting a family.

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MomHopes 06/08/2009

I just found out I'm having my 4th miscarriage (technically this one is a chemical pregnancy). After my last miscarriage (at 11 wks) I asked my RE if I could be low on progesterone. They never monitored it and that always concerned me. He said that because I was on follistim there was no need to check my progesterone because follistim was the best thing to be on if you have low progesterone. Now that I've lost another pregnancy I'm thinking about the progesterone issue again. Is anyone on Follistim AND progesterone? Has anyone else heard this theory about not needing it if you're on Follistim?

deleted_user 06/08/2009

The theory your doctor is probably relying on is the fact that the corpus luteum (what's left of the follicle after ovulation) should produce enough progesterone to support a pregnancy. Since Follistim normally results in multiple follicles releasing an egg, the odds are that the resulting corpus lutei will produce enough progesterone to not have to worry about it. That being said, our RE had no problem putting DW on progesterone suppositories "just in case". I would ask for either a test or suppositories just to prove that the corpus lutei are doing their job.

deleted_user 06/08/2009

I have never heard that. For all my IUI's and IVF I was on Gonal-f, which is about the same as follistim. My RE has always put me on progesterone support. Even though my progesterone level has never been low.

deleted_user 06/08/2009

I am starting IVF this month. I did 6 cycles of Follistim (and asked for it to be used with IVF because I responded so well). After 1 m/c (chemical pregnancy) and many BFN's I asked what else I can do. They suggested Progesterone. I am definitely using it for IVF. After so many losses I truly hope your doctor is investigating everything! It is unfair to you not to mention terribly heartbreaking to keep going through, especially if it is something easily preventable (like low progesterone).

HUGS and hoping that you have the answers you need soon.

MomHopes 06/09/2009

Anyone else on Follistim AND Progesterone???

MomHopes 06/09/2009

I've been trying to find info on this online and I found a clinical trial comparing Follistim and Menopur and guess what...both are using progesterone along with each med. I am so mad at my RE right now for NEVER even checking my levels!

PS: if anyone's interested in this trial they are still recruiting and it's in several states:

http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00802360

deleted_user 06/09/2009

All of the cycles I did with follistim, my doc also put me on progesterone. It did extend the luteal phase, but no pregnancy yet...
Good luck!

deleted_user 06/09/2009

I am on Follistim & Menepur for an IVF cycle and I start progesterone shots the day before the transfer and he says it is definitely needed. So much so they will continue the progesterone shots for the first trimester of pregnancy. I would definitely question that with your doctor.

Did you do an IVF or IUI?

MomHopes 06/09/2009

Thanks ladies. To answer your question Alburquerque - I did IUIs.

deleted_user 06/09/2009

Hi MomHopes - so sorry this keeps happening. When I did my IUI's the RE never prescribe progesterone of any kind - she always does it at standard protocol with IVF though - I start the day after retrieval.

Hope they can get to the bottom of this. Good luck.

krriss10k 06/09/2009

I start follistim and menopur on the 20. My protocol is the same as albu. There s no question i ll be on progestrone shots. If i do get pregnant they keep you on through most if not all of your first trimester. Maybe you can suggest that. Maybe thats all you need.

MomHopes 06/10/2009

Shanny, thanks for your reply. To answer your question, no they have NEVER checked my progesterone levels. I was told since I'm on follistim they don't need to be checked. When I had my first miscarriage 3 years ago with a different doctor she checked them and they were low. I've told my RE this but I get the same answer, since I'm on follistim I'm fine.

deleted_user 06/10/2009

I agree with what most have said..for both IUI and IVF, I was always on progesterone afterwards and he would keep me on until I either got a BFN or would then keep me on till at least 10 weeks of pregnancy. I would definitely request this for any cycles in the future.

JudylynS 06/10/2009

I would request copies of your medical records and get a second opinion! It sounds like your RE doesn't listen very well! The progesterone test should have been a standard test - along with estrogen levels, etc. I'd be pretty mad too. Good luck!

MomHopes 06/12/2009

Again, thank you to everyone for replying. I called today and have an appointment to talk to my RE about my options on June 22nd. I am definitely going to push this issue. If he doesn't budge I'm going to switch REs. A friend of mine recommended someone else in the area.

Athena39 06/12/2009

I was given suppositories to use when taking Follistim. I would ask your RE about it.

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