Introduction:
In the realm of assisted reproduction, surrogacy stands as a remarkable option for individuals or couples struggling with infertility. One crucial aspect of the surrogacy process involves the administration of various medications to prepare the surrogate mother’s body for embryo transfer. These medications play a pivotal role in ensuring a successful pregnancy and healthy gestation. Let’s delve into the common IVF medications that surrogates typically take during their journey.
Estrogen Medications:
Purpose: Estrogen plays a vital role in preparing the surrogate’s uterus for embryo implantation and supporting early pregnancy.
Types: Common estrogen medications include estradiol tablets, patches, or injections.
Administration: Surrogates may start taking estrogen medications during the preparation phase of the IVF cycle to build up the uterine lining.
Progesterone Medications:
Purpose: Progesterone is essential for maintaining a pregnancy by supporting the uterine lining and preventing its shedding.
Types: Progesterone medications are often administered in the form of injections, vaginal suppositories, or oral capsules.
Administration: Surrogates typically begin taking progesterone after the embryo transfer to provide hormonal support for the developing pregnancy.
Gonadotropins:
Purpose: Gonadotropins stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs for the IVF process.
Types: These medications include follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
Administration: Surrogates may receive gonadotropin injections during the ovarian stimulation phase to promote egg development.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG):
Purpose: hCG triggers the final maturation of the eggs before retrieval.
Administration: Surrogates typically receive a single hCG injection to induce ovulation before egg retrieval for fertilization.
Antibiotics:
Purpose: Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed to prevent infections during the IVF process.
Administration: Surrogates may take antibiotics before and after the embryo transfer to reduce the risk of infection.
Conclusion:
The journey of a surrogate mother involves a carefully orchestrated process that includes the administration of various IVF medications. These medications are tailored to prepare the surrogate’s body for pregnancy, support embryo implantation, and ensure a successful outcome. By understanding the role of these medications, surrogates can embark on their journey with confidence, knowing that they are contributing to the creation of new life in a meaningful way.
