Need Help with Progesterone Application

Well, after seeing RE and getting my progesterone checked this last time, it seems to be dropping.  It's 21.5, which RE said is still "okay" level, but it's dropped a lot since the initial 29.  He started me to progesterone capsules as a precaution for this pregnancy.  I remember the nurse telling me to use them at bed time because it will leak out and wear a panty liner, etc.  But, is there a certain point you are supposed to put the progesterone in?  Last night, I just sort inserted it.  Wondering if I'm doing this right or not.

[tina1111]

I've not been on them myself. But, the idea is that the progesterone is more easily absorbed by the cervix. I would assume you would want to get the suppository as far back as possible. (Not trying to smash it against the cervix, mind you) If I am wrong, someone please interject :)

[Heather5]

Tina is right...just push it as far up there as you can, without going too crazy. LOL!  I used vaginal progesterone once, and since my cervix was low at the time, I could kinda feel it and just pushed it up right behind it...if that makes sense.

:-)

[Nurseypie]

I know that no one likes the shots but under the circumstances is it possible that the shots would maintain a sustained therapeutic level without risks leaking or inconvenience of mutiple doses? Seems the shot is certain to get into your system more effectively. Although my a** is killing me. I asked my doc about switching to a friendly form of progesterone, like suppositories or pills but he said it was not a good idea for me since my body does not produce progesterone naturally. I guess everybody's situation is unique. it sounds like you don't need the extreme of injections.

[tina1111]

Just curious. Did they check your progesterone levels when you did the supplements? Did it really increase that much?  I've often wondered how effective it is. I've had mine checked and never needed it. But, still I wonder how much difference it makes.

[bny807]

i have been on the progeterone capsules used as suppositories many cycles now and always inserted it as heather said - kind of behind or to the sides of the cervix.. i have been having some irritation and we found out we were preg.. and i had spotting and my progesterone dropped down to 10 , so i doubled up.. the nurse said to only insert it as deep as your middle (2nd) joint on your index finger. that putting it too high can cause irritation.. i just felt like it leaked out that way though.. so now (even though i think its too late) i'm being switched over to the shots.. to see if it were to help the irritation/spotting.. GOOD LUCK!

[Heather5]

No, they didn't test my levels while on the progesterone...but from what I understand, the levels in your blood might not be indicative of the levels in your reproductive tract, since the suppositories are delivering the progesterone right where it's needed...without necessarily going through your entire blood system. If that makes sense :-) My RE actually prefers the suppositories to PIO shots for this reason. I think her even uses it in IVF cycles, but I'm not 100% sure about that.

[bny807]

my RE prefers the suppositories too.. i did some research and it shows that the most effective way of progesterone is suppositories, then PIO, then oral is least effective. : )

[krushing]

Thanks ladies!  I guess I will just insert till I can't insert anymore, LOL! I'm anxious to see how this improves.  I go back Wednesday to have another ultrasound and another progesterone check...

[tina1111]

Yes, that makes plenty of sense. I have read way too much about progesterone. Especially for someone who doesn't need it, lol. I just have been curious about how effective anyone has really found it. I have read medical journals that show it doesn't help at all (supplementally)until the 3rd trimester. Then, I read "studies" that claim it prevents early loss. I always like to hear firsthand experiences to help make informed opinions.

[eternidad200]

Ladies, I think the best way to do it is to get an applicator is cleaner, less messy and also you can advance the suppopsitory further, I used suppositories in my last FET and will be doing it again this time around. Good luck

[krushing]

I do know the nurse told me not to use applicator like with over the counter yeast infection meds because it will push it too far.  So, I guess there is a limit.  I'm going to try the 2 digit length and see how it works for a week.