If you’re considering becoming a surrogate, you’ve likely heard that fertility medications are part of the journey. While the idea of taking medications might feel overwhelming at first, understanding their purpose—and separating fact from fiction—can help ease any concerns. Fertility medications play a vital role in preparing your body for embryo transfer and supporting a healthy pregnancy.

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Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. Always consult your medical care providers for specific medication and medical instructions .

Why Fertility Medications Are Necessary in Surrogacy

Fertility medications are used to prepare a surrogate’s body to receive and nurture an embryo. Unlike a naturally occurring pregnancy, a surrogacy journey typically requires carefully timed medication protocols to:

• Build and thicken the uterine lining (endometrium) to create the ideal environment for implantation.

• Synchronize the surrogate’s cycle with the embryo transfer schedule.

• Support early pregnancy until the body naturally produces enough hormones on its own (usually by 10–12 weeks of pregnancy).

These medications are prescribed by a fertility doctor and are an essential part of helping the pregnancy get off to the best possible start.

Listen in with Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Specialist Dr. Susanna Park of the San Diego Fertility Center, as she explains these medication and the role they play!

Common Fertility Medications Used in Surrogacy

While medication protocols can vary slightly depending on the clinic, most surrogates can expect to use some combination of the following:

• Birth Control Pills: Used early in the process to regulate your menstrual cycle and help schedule the embryo transfer.

• Lupron (Leuprolide Acetate): A medication that temporarily suppresses natural ovulation, allowing for better cycle control.

• Estrogen: Taken orally, through patches, or injections to help thicken the uterine lining and create a welcoming environment for the embryo.

• Progesterone: Usually administered through injections or vaginal suppositories to support the uterine lining and early pregnancy development.

Most fertility medication schedules begin a few weeks before the embryo transfer and continue until 10–12 weeks into the pregnancy.

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Myths vs. Facts About Fertility Medications in Surrogacy

Let’s clear up some common misconceptions that you may hear about fertility medications:

Myth 1: Fertility Medications Are Extremely Painful

Fact:

While some medications (like progesterone injections) are given via intramuscular shots and can cause soreness, most surrogates describe the discomfort as manageable. Tips like warming or icing the injection site, massaging afterward, and rotating injection spots can help minimize discomfort.

Myth 2: Fertility Medications Cause Long-Term Health Problems

Fact:

There is no evidence that short-term use of fertility medications, as prescribed in a surrogacy journey, leads to long-term health issues. These medications are carefully monitored by your fertility specialist to ensure safety throughout the process.

Myth 3: Fertility Medications Guarantee a Successful Pregnancy

Fact:

While fertility medications are essential for preparing your body, they cannot guarantee that implantation will occur. Many factors influence whether an embryo successfully implants, including embryo quality and overall uterine health.

Myth 4: The Medication Schedule Will Take Over My Life

Fact:

While you’ll need to be diligent about timing and following instructions, most surrogates find that the medication schedule is very manageable with a little planning. Many medications are given once daily and can be worked around work or family schedules.

Myth 5: Natural Pregnancies Are Always Easier Than Medicated Surrogacies

Fact:

All pregnancies come with their own set of challenges. The use of fertility medications in surrogacy helps control timing and environment for the embryo, which can actually lead to more closely monitored and supported pregnancies compared to natural conception.

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Tips for Managing Fertility Medications

Starting fertility medications can feel like a big commitment, but with the right mindset and preparation, it can be a smooth experience. Here are a few helpful tips:

• Set Reminders: Use phone alarms or a medication tracking app to stay on schedule.

• Ask for Help: If you’re nervous about injections, ask your partner, a friend, or a family member for support—or talk to your clinic about tips for self-injection.

• Stay Organized: Keep all your medications, syringes, alcohol wipes, and sharps containers in one easy-to-access organizer.

• Communicate with Your Clinic: Always reach out if you have questions or experience unexpected side effects. Your fertility team is there to help!

• Be Kind to Yourself: Adjusting to the medication routine takes time. Give yourself grace as you learn and settle into the process.

Fertility medications are an essential and manageable part of the surrogacy journey. By understanding why they're necessary and separating myths from reality, you can approach this stage with greater confidence and peace of mind.

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