A surrogate will frequently be prescribed intramuscular injections of progesterone. These are the injections your surrogate is most likely least looking forward to taking, and if she mentions her injections, these are the medications she is most likely talking about. The hormone is used to help aid in sustaining a pregnancy achieved through IVF and is typically given daily for the first 10 to 12 weeks. The progesterone is mixed in an oil to create an injectable compound for IVF. 

PROGESTERONE IN OIL INJECTION: TYPICAL OILS USED

Several different types of oils can be used for the progesterone element of a surrogate's medical protocol. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used oils for this purpose. 

• Ethyl Oleate: You may not be familiar with the oil ethyl oleate. The body creates it from a human fatty acid when ethanol and oleic acid combine. It is, by far, the thinnest of the oil compounds for intramuscular injections, so a smaller gauge needle is used for injections. It is the most often prescribed oil compound.

• Olive Oil: Olive oil is also commonly compounded with progesterone. While it is thicker than ethyl oleate and requires a larger needle, many women report that this blend offers some of the easiest absorption into their muscles.

• Sesame Oil: This is typically a thinner compound than the olive oil blend, making it easier for the muscle to absorb. Better absorption limits the size and sensitivity of lumps that often form at the injection sites. Many of our surrogates tell us that sesame oil results in some of the most manageable injection site tenderness.

• Peanut and Cottonseed Oils: These are the least-used oils. Peanut oil tends to be rather thick, while cottonseed oil is a thinner compound and is reported to cause less intense pain at the injection site. 

Doctors tend to prescribe a certain oil time and time again due to their personal preference. No one oil has been shown to produce a significant benefit across the board when compared to another. While some patients report far less pain with one type of oil versus another, a different woman may report experiencing the exact opposite reaction to the same oil compounds. More important than the oil type is ensuring that the injection sites are properly identified and that injection site tenderness is not the result of an allergic reaction.

PROGESTERONE IN OIL SIDE EFFECTS

The most common side effects include pain and swelling at the injection site, breast tenderness, headache, weight gain or loss, acne, nausea, increased body or facial hair, loss of scalp hair, drowsiness, and dizziness. These typically resolve quickly. Call your doctor if they persist.

Allergic reactions can occur with sesame or peanut oils. If that occurs, you will usually be switched to progesterone in a different oil base, typically ethyl oleate.

Growing Generations is honored to support our surrogates every step of the way.  To learn more about the surrogacy process, including the medical protocol, contact Growing Generations.