Medication
Progesterone support in fertility treatment
Progesterone is a hormone often used to support the lining of the uterus after procedures such as embryo transfer. In fertility treatment this is commonly called luteal-phase support, and it can be given in different forms including vaginal preparations and injections.
Why progesterone is used
After IVF egg collection and embryo transfer, many clinics use progesterone to prepare and support the lining of the uterus in early pregnancy. This is often called luteal-phase support. Vaginal micronised progesterone is a licensed option for this use as part of assisted reproduction.
Practical points
Progesterone comes in different forms — including vaginal pessaries or gel and injections — and clinics vary in which they use and for how long. Common effects can include changes in mood, drowsiness, bloating, and breast tenderness.
This page does not provide dosing. Follow your clinic’s exact instructions, and do not stop progesterone on your own if you may be pregnant — check with your clinic first.
Common uses in fertility care
- Luteal-phase support after embryo transfer
- Support in some frozen embryo transfer cycles
How it is usually given
- Available in different forms, including vaginal pessaries or gel and injections, depending on the clinic's protocol
Common effects
- Altered mood, or drowsiness
- Abdominal distension or discomfort
- Breast tenderness
- Local irritation, rash, or itching depending on the form used
Serious warnings
- Always follow your clinic's advice about when to continue or stop; do not stop on your own if you may be pregnant — check with your clinic first
- Caution is advised in some conditions such as depression, epilepsy, migraine, asthma, and heart or kidney problems
Monitoring
- Follow your clinic's plan for how long to continue support
- Written by
- Sam Rivera · Health writer
- Medically reviewed by
- Dr Lena Park · Reproductive endocrinologist (medical reviewer)
- Last reviewed
- Next review due
Sources
- Summary of Product Characteristics for micronised progesterone (luteal-phase support)electronic medicines compendium (emc) / MHRA-approved labelling · Published 1 February 2025 · Accessed 19 July 2026
- IVFNHS · Published 15 April 2025 · Accessed 19 July 2026
- ESHRE guidelines on assisted reproductive technology and ovarian stimulationEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) · Published 1 May 2019 · Accessed 30 June 2026
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