Progesterone Supplementation During In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Cycles

Revised 2023

What is progesterone?

Progesterone is a hormone produced by the ovary during the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy. It is first detected in the middle of the menstrual cycle when an egg is released from ovary (ovulation).

Progesterone prepares the lining of the uterus (endometrium) for a fertilized egg (embryo) to stick or implant. If an embryo implants into the lining of the uterus, the ovary continues to produce progesterone for eight to ten weeks. After that time, the placenta produces progesterone to support the developing pregnancy. If a pregnancy does not take place, progesterone levels drop and a woman has her period.

Why do doctors prescribe progesterone during fertility treatments?

During an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle, medications are used to prevent the early release of an egg from the ovary (premature ovulation) and fluid from the follicles is removed. These medicines and procedures may affect your ovary’s ability to make progesterone. Your doctor may prescribe a progesterone supplement to make up for this decrease in your progesterone levels. Progesterone supports the growth of the uterine lining so that an embryo can implant and grow inside. Many scientific studies have looked at pregnancy rates in IVF cycles that used progesterone. These studies have shown that pregnancy rates are much higher in cycles with progesterone supplementation compared to those without.

When and how should I take progesterone?

Progesterone supplementation is usually started on the day of or the day after egg retrieval. If a pregnancy takes place, supplementation may continue throughout the first trimester. Progesterone may be taken as an intramuscular injection or given through the vagina as a suppository, gel, or tablet.

It is important to follow instructions and talk with your doctor about the form of progesterone that best fits your needs. Taking progesterone as a pill does not work well to support the pregnancy because it is not absorbed by the stomach enough to help the pregnancy.

What are the types of progesterone available?

There are two basic types of progesterone. One is a synthetic type called medroxy-progesterone acetate or Provera. The other type more closely resembles the natural progesterone produced by the ovaries. The natural form is the one recommended for use in pregnancy.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

It takes more than one

Why IVF patients often need multiple embryos to have a baby View the advocacy resource

What support for IVF looks like

Bipartisan support for IVF, that is responsible for the birth of over 2% of all babies born in the USA each year, will ensure that families continue to grow. View the advocacy resource

Oversight of IVF in the US

In the US, medical care is regulated by a complex and comprehensive network of federal and state regulations and professional oversight. View the advocacy resource

Just the Facts: IVF Policy Priorities

ASRM advocates for expanded IVF access, urging policy solutions that prioritize patient care, inclusivity, and medical decision-making free from political interference. View the advocacy resource

Just the Facts: The Safety of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

IVF is a safe, proven medical procedure with extensive research backing. Though risks exist, advancements and strict monitoring ensure most IVF babies are healthy. View the advocacy resource

IVF Treatment Journey

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process in which an egg and sperm are combined in a laboratory dish to facilitate fertilization.

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SART Fertility Experts - Surgery Before IVF Egg Retrieval and/or Embryo Transfer

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ASRM Center for Policy & Leadership Releases Fact Sheet on Safety of IVF for Pregnant People and Babies

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View the Press Release

ASRM Center for Policy & Leadership Releases White Paper Detailing Oversight of IVF in the U.S. and Abroad

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SART Fertility Experts - Egg Retrieval: What is it REALLY like?

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ASRM Releases Statement on IVF Policy Priorities

ASRM advocates for expanded IVF access, urging policy solutions that prioritize patient care, inclusivity, and medical decision-making free from political interference.

View the Press Release

ASRM responds to Trump Executive Order on IVF

ASRM welcomes Trump’s Executive Order on IVF, urging mandated insurance coverage and federal employee access to fertility care.

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SART Fertility Experts - PGT-A and Mosaicism

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Key Policy Updates from the Office of Public Affairs

President Biden signs the FY25 NDAA, addressing military fertility care and reproductive health but sparking debate over IVF access and gender-affirming care policies.

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SART Fertility Experts - Vanquishing Multiples

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Advocacy in Action

Join the ASRM Advocacy in Action campaign by making a tax-deductible charitable gift Be part of Advocacy in Action

SART Fertility Experts - Global Access to IVF and the Status of Women

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SART Fertility Experts - Navigating IVF as a Couple

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Fertility Rights and Responsibilities

Can a fertility program or clinic deny treatment to patient(s) if there is concern about the ability to care for the child(ren)? Yes. Fertility programs can withhold services if there are signs that patients will not be able to care for child(ren). View this Fact Sheet

Side effects of injectable fertility drugs (gonadotropins)

Gonadotropins are fertility medications given by injection that contain follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) alone or combined with luteinizing hormone (LH). View the fact sheet

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Hydrosalpinx

The fallopian tubes are attached to the uterus (womb) on the left and right sides. View the Fact Sheet

In vitro fertilization (IVF): what are the risks?

IVF is a method of assisted reproduction in which a man’s sperm and a woman’s eggs are combined outside of the body in a laboratory dish. View the fact sheet

What is In Vitro Maturation (IVM)?

In vitro maturation (IVM) is when a woman’s eggs are collected and matured outside the body. This is done as part of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure. View the fact sheet

SART Fertility Experts - Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

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SART Fertility Experts - Infertility Advocacy and Government Affairs

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SART Fertility Experts - Your Infertility Nurse: Partner in Your Care

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SART Fertility Experts - Genetics and IVF

Genetics is a significant part of advanced reproductive technology screening. Listen to the Episode

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

A procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can be done along with in vitro fertilization (IVF) if a sperm cannot penetrate the outer layer of an egg. Read the Fact Sheet

SART Fertility Experts - Fertility and LGBTQ

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SART Fertility Experts - What is IVF?

In this episode, we discuss the ins-and-outs of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Listen to the Episode

Start with SART

The very first thing you should do when evaluating a clinic is verify that it is a member of SART. Watch Video

Preparing for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Lifestyle Factors

This SART micro-video discusses lifestyle factors that may affect in vitro fertilization, or IVF, outcomes. Watch Video

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (booklet)

This booklet will help you understand in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technology (ART) that have become accepted medical treatments for infertility. View the Booklet

The Difference Between IUI and IVF

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Infertility: an Overview (booklet)

Infertility is typically defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. View the booklet

Kristen Ritchie's Story

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In Vitro Fertilization Infographics

ASRM has prepared infographics to illustrate the subject of in vitro fertilization (IVF) better. View the infographics

SART FAQ About IVF

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