Surrogate Medications

FOR SURROGATES

Why the Medications are Important
Unlike a natural pregnancy that produces hormones naturally to support a pregnancy things differ for a surrogacy pregnancy as we’re mimicking a natural pregnancy. Several different medications are required to be taken by the surrogate mother to prepare her uterus to accept the embryo for implantation and to sustain the pregnancy for several weeks until the placenta begins to secret those hormones naturally. The medications are necessary and easy to take. It’s important that each surrogate mother has a clear understanding of the whole surrogacy process and the medications involved. Each surrogate journey protocol is specific to you. All of these medications will be explained at length with you at the fertility clinic.
Lupron (Leuprolide acetate)

This medication is used to turn off your body’s own natural stimulation to your ovaries. Lupron temporarily turns off your brain’s natural release of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinzing hormone (LH), inducing a medical menopause. This medication is used in a way to help the doctor establish a baseline level or in other words a starting point. This is the first medication given to a surrogate other then birth control. Administration: Lupron is administered by subcutaneous (SQ) injection, meaning a small needle inserted under the skin. Side Effects: No long-term side effects have been reported.

Possible side effects:

  • Moodiness/Irritability
  • Headache
  • Hot Flashes
  • Insomnia
  • Local irritation at the site of the injection
Low Dose Aspirin

Assist with cycle stimulation and embryo implantation Typically this medication is used for the first trimester Administration 81-83 mg low-dose baby aspirin taken orally.

Possible side effects:

  • Upset stomach
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • heartburn
Vivelle Patches (Estradiol transdermal)

Estrogen is a hormone that helps maintain an early pregnancy Administration: Patches are placed on the abdomen and estrogen is absorbed through the skin. Estrogen can also be given in pill form.

Possible side effects:

  • Skin redness/irritation at the application site
  • Nausea
  • Bloating
  • Breast tenderness
  • Headache
  • Weight change
Progesterone/Prometrium/Endometrin/Crinone

Progesterone is a hormone that is necessary to prepare the uterus lining for the implantation of the embryo and to help support and maintain an early pregnancy. If a pregnancy is achieved, it will be taken for another 10 weeks until the placenta can naturally release this hormone to support the pregnancy. Administration is either in the form of a vaginal suppository or intramuscular injection.

Possible side effects:

  • Irritability
  • Breast tenderness
Doxycycline/Azythromicin/Tetracycline

This antibiotics is prescribed to treat any possible low-grade pelvic or prostate infection. This is given as a pre-cycle antibiotic to both the surrogate mother and partner.  Administration orally. Taken in a pill form. 

Possible Side Effects:

  • Varies per individual
  • Sun sensitivity 
  • Upset stomach 
Medrol/Methylprednisolone

This steroid may be prescribed right before the embryo transfer to prevent inflammation of the uterus lining and preventing the body from rejection of the embryo. Administration orally taken in pill form.

Possible side effects:

  • sun sensitivity
  • upset stomach