What are the medications involved and are there any side effects?
The surrogacy process involves many medications and you may or may not have to take them all. It honestly depends on you and your body and how your body is reacting to the medication. Every person and clinic is different as well on what medication that they might have you take. These are some of the most common medication that you might take.
Lupron
Lupron is a medication that prevents your natural cycle from interfering with the surrogacy process by inhibiting secretion of hormones that control your cycle. This is an injection that most of the time will go in your stomach with a half inch needle. There are a few side effects that come with this medication such as; headache, fatigue and hot flashes. Some surrogates say that have had no side effects.
Estrogen
Estrogen is a very common medication taken by all surrogates. This medication is a hormone that is naturally produced by the ovaries to thicken the uterine lining and help maintain an early pregnancy. This is an injection medication, an oral tablet or a patch that is applied to the skin on the stomach. The side effects of this medication can be; skin irritation from the patch, bloating, nausea, headache, and some weight changes with the oral and injection.
Progesterone
This medication is a hormone that is produced by the ovaries after ovulation. This prepares the uterus for embryo transfer. This hormone signals the uterus to begin the proper nutrients to support the embryo. This medication is usually administered through suppositories, gels, pills, but the most common form is injections. Some side effect that might happen are; bloating, irritability and vaginal discharge.
There are some more medications that you will take during surrogacy. If you ever have any questions about surrogacy or medication, feel free to reach out. Also, always keep in contact with your nurse from your clinic and let them know if the side effects become too much.