progesterone shots vs. suppositories

I recent underwent IVF in December.  Today, I got my third HcG result back today and everything is looking very positive:)  My IVF nurse said that I had the option of continuing the progesterone (in oil) shots or start the supositories.  I was surprised that I had the option.  Given that I am not a medical professional, I don't know which is a better option.  She assured it that the progesterone in both the shot and suppository would be absorbed the same.  I just have to decide which one I want to take.  Has anyone else had to make this decision?  For those who have tried IVF, what was your progesterone protocol?  I have heard that some women continue the shots up until their first ultrasound.  (I have also heard that while there is a low incidence (7% chance), the progesterone shot can cause a birth defect in baby boys--specific to their urtethras.  Any insights would be greatly appreciated.  I hope everyone's baby wishes come true.

[tricia448]

i didnt do IVF but....i have done both...right now i am doing the suppositories 2x daily because i am pregnant. if i had my choice i personally would do the shots...but its really just a preference. i would assume since you did IVF you are very familiar with administering shots...so it shouldnt be that big of a deal. i guess i would do the shots only cause to me its a pain in the butt remembering and doing the suppositories 2x daily opposed to a shot once a week. sometimes with the suppositories you get a white chalky gooey residue in your underwear...and to me thats gross...lol...but good luck this month!!!!

[Tanker Chic]

i did not do IVF but was on suppositories up until I was 12wks pg.  I have read that suppositories are supposed to have the best absorbtion with the least side effects.  congrats and good luck.

[queen1970]

Thank you for sharing your insights

[Chrissieanddan]

Hi am currently doing IVF & didnt get the choice they have already sent me out pessaries/suppositories, for the first 2 weeks I have been told to use it as suppositorie Then after that as a pessary. As tanker chic said I was told better absorbtion that way.
Good luck, Hope all goes well x

[Allie1980]

Hi there.... I didn't do IVF, but I used progesterone for the first 12 weeks with my pregnancy (which I had a little girl in August).  She came early, so the doctor said next time I was to take progesterone throughout my pregnancy to prevent preterm labor....I've heard of women doing the shots, so I asked him, do you mean the shots?  And he said, No, it would just be the suppositories.....so he obviously thinks they're the same.  I guess if I could pick, I'd do the shot too because it's less messy and you wouldn't have to remember it and stuff.

However, ladies, I'm so glad you said your doctors said it was the exact same absorbtion.....because I was worried that maybe I should have the shots next time instead of the suppositories, but, since you're doctors have said it's the same too, thats great.

[queen1970]

This is great--thanks for letting me know.  I have heard from other sources, as well that they absorb the same, so that only further validates that it is okay.  THANK YOU SO MUCH!