Why do I have to take medication to be a surrogate? You might be wondering. The answer is simple – you are not getting pregnant the “traditional” way.

The doctor and fertility clinic where the Intended Parents are clients will give you a specialized medication protocol when it is time to do the embryo transfer. Every medication protocol will look slightly different, based on that doctor or clinic’s preferences, or how your body may or may not react to certain medications.

Here, we have taken the time to break down some of the more common medications we see prescribed to our gestational carriers. Of course, this is not an all-inclusive list so you may see something different on your protocol!

What medications do I have to take as a surrogate

Birth Control Pills

Frequently, your clinic will prescribe birth control pills to help them control your cycle in order to line up appointments and FET (frozen embryo transfer) medication start dates. Often, you will find that you are directed to take the active pills only to help put your cycle on hold for them.

Lupron

Lupron is a medication designed to “shut down” your ovaries, preventing ovulation and therefore giving your RE (reproductive endocrinologist) full control over your cycle. Lupron is an injection that you give subcutaneously in your lower belly area.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics may also be prescribed as you cycle for transfer, this is to help either be proactive in helping prevent any infection due to the embryo transfer or to help make sure there is no endometritis present in the uterine lining leading up to transfer.

Steroids

Your RE may add steroids to your embryo transfer medication protocol, these are thought to help provide a more hospitable environment for the embryo and reduce the likelihood that your body will reject it.

Blood thinners (Aspirin/ Lovenox)

Sometimes, your clinic may prescribe a blood thinner to help prevent blood clots forming and interfering with the pregnancy. This may be taken once a day in the form of a baby aspirin or Lovenox may be prescribed which is an injection. Both are thought to help reduce the risk of miscarriage.

Estrogen

In order to transfer an embryo, your RE will want to see your uterine lining thicken. Estrogen pills, patches, or injections will be prescribed in order to do this. Estrogen is also important in helping maintain a pregnancy early on so you will likely continue to take this until around the 12th week of pregnancy.

Progesterone

Progesterone, often known as PIO (progesterone in oil) or pills (oral or suppositories), will be prescribed as well. Progesterone plays a vital role in maintaining a pregnancy, helping to prepare the lining and keep your uterus a welcoming environment for the embryo. During the embryo transfer, progesterone will be prescribed since your body will not be producing it naturally yet, once your body takes over (typically around 12 weeks) your RE will have you discontinue meds.

medications for surrogacy

For a more in-depth understanding of what these medications are used for, how to administer them, and various tips and tricks, please refer to our medication guide: Medication Guide