If you have been advised that you will be given IVF pessaries to use during your IVF treatment cycle, you may be wondering what they are, how to use them, and whether there are any side effects. In this article, we will aim to answer all of those questions to help you better understand what to expect when the time comes.
Why are IVF pessaries a necessary part of the IVF treatment cycle?
IVF treatment follows a series of stages. Following your follicle stimulation injections and the egg maturation process, the next step is to prepare the lining of your womb (endometrium) ready for the implantation of the embryo.
In fresh treatment cycles (using your own eggs as part of the same cycle), the lining of the womb will have already developed during the stimulation stage of the cycle due to the oestrogen naturally produced by the ovary.
The hormone Progesterone is given as a supplement to prepare the lining of the womb ready for potential implantation.
If you are following a frozen embryo transfer cycle, it will take a little more preparation to ensure the lining of your womb is ready to receive the frozen embryo.
In both cases, a supplement of the hormone Progesterone will play a vital role.
Your consultant will determine which type of Progesterone supplement is best suited to your individual circumstances.
The most common types used here at Hull & East Riding Fertility in fresh treatment cycles are Utrogestan and Cyclogest pessaries. During frozen cycles, we will use either one of those, plus Lubion injections. We’ve included more information about the use of Lubion injections further on in this article.
What are IVF pessaries and what is the difference between Cyclogest and Utrogestan pessaries?
IVF pessaries are administered vaginally. They deliver Progesterone directly to the uterus, ensuring it has adequate levels of the hormone.
Cyclogest and Utrogestan pessaries contain the same hormone, they are simply different brands. The pessaries are often round or oval, and are also relatively small. They are designed to be comfortable for vaginal insertion, ensuring the hormone is administered effectively.
Why are Lubion injections given in addition to IVF pessaries during frozen embryo transfer cycles?
Lubion, like Cyclogest and Utrogestan, is also a Progesterone supplement.
The use of both Lubion injections and Utrogestan or Cyclogest pessaries in frozen embryo transfer cycles versus just pessaries in fresh cycles is mainly down to the need to fully replace the body’s Progesterone in the absence of natural production from the ovaries.
In frozen embryo transfer cycles, or when using donor eggs, your own hormones are suppressed so the body won’t produce its own Progesterone in sufficient quantities. Therefore, all the hormone required to prepare the womb lining for implantation needs to be supplied via a supplement.
How to use IVF pessaries in your cycle?
When the time comes, you will be prescribed the appropriate IVF pessaries to administer yourself. You will be advised when to take them, and will be given instructions on how to use them.
As it is advised that you lie down for around 20-30 minutes after insertion to aid absorption, therefore we advise you do your pessaries at bedtime. This will avoid discomfort and minimise leaking during the day.
You may wish to use a panty liner for any discharge that may follow (see Utrogestan and Cyclogest pessaries side effects below).
Utrogestan and Cyclogest pessaries side effects
Generally, IVF pessaries are harmless to the person using them, their partner and their prospective pregnancy.
However, there are some Utrogestan and Cyclogest pessaries side effects that you should be prepared for, which may include:
- Vaginal irritation or itching
- Vaginal dryness
- Vaginal discharge
- Yeast infection
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Fatigue
Progesterone can cause you to experience more vaginal discharge than normal. This may be white-ish in colour. You should not be alarmed by this. A light panty liner may make you feel more comfortable. You should speak to your consultant for advice if you feel the discharge is unusually heavy.
Other more notably rarer side effects include chest pains, mood changes, severe headache, vision problems, dizziness, vaginal bleeding and painful urination.
Please do not hesitate to contact the clinic if you are concerned about any Utrogestan or Cyclogest pessaries side effects.
Are you looking for personalised fertility treatment advice?
Established in 1986, Hull & East Riding Fertility is East Yorkshire’s only registered private fertility clinic providing specialist infertility investigations and personalised treatment. We welcome both self-funded and NHS patients.
We also offer a variety of investigatory and fertility treatment planning services at our satellite fertility clinics in York. If you are self-funding, you won’t need a GP referral. However, it is useful to be aware that all patients are entitled as standard to basic NHS funded fertility investigations, so you may wish to start your journey there.
We would be delighted to welcome you at our clinic whether you are seeking advice on the use of Progesterone pessaries in IVF and their role in your treatment cycle, or you are simply keen to discuss your options around starting a family.
Please get in touch to let us know how we can help you.