Do Progesterone Shots Improve Frozen Embryo Transfer Success?

Written By Lora Shahine, MD

Are progesterone shots really necessary for a frozen embryo transfer? Why would your doctor recommend intramuscular injections over suppositories or other less painful options? And could the type of progesterone you use actually affect implantation, miscarriage risk, or live birth rates?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine explains the science behind progesterone support in frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles, especially why intramuscular (IM) progesterone is often recommended in certain programmed cycle protocols. 

Dr. Shahine explains how progesterone supports implantation and early pregnancy, the key differences between programmed or medicated and natural or ovulatory FET protocols, and why not all progesterone options perform the same way. 

Listeners will learn how IM progesterone compares to other forms and when IM progesterone may meaningfully improve FET success. You’ll get some practical guidance on how to talk with your doctor about choosing the right progesterone protocol for your body and your treatment plan. 

In this episode you’ll hear:

[1:11] Progesterone shot fears

[2:30] Why progesterone matters

[4:22] Why supplement in treatment

[5:22] Programmed vs. ovulatory FET

[7:31] Progesterone options explained

[11:07] Landmark 2021 trial set up

[13:08] Results: live birth miscarriage

[15:14] Next steps

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Lora Shahine, MD

Dr. Lora Shahine, reproductive endocrinologist at Pacific NW Fertility and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Washington in Seattle, completed her residency in OBGYN at the University of California in San Francisco and fellowship in reproductive endocrinology at Stanford University. She is dedicated to educating and advocating for increased awareness of infertility, miscarriage, and the impact on environmental toxins on health through an active social media presence, teaching, clinical research, and authoring multiple blogs and books including best selling, ‘Not Broken: An Approachable Guide to Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.’

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Taking Charge of Cycle Tracking with Author Dr. Toni Weschler