Feeling nervous about post placement contact with the birth family is one of the most common concerns adoptive parents share—and these worries are completely valid.
Surrogates typically take medication before embryo transfer for 3 to 6 weeks, though individual timelines may vary based on your body’s response and cycle synchronization needs.
Get answers about the medical process timeline for surrogates today when you fill out our form.
Understanding what to expect during this medication phase helps you feel confident and prepared for your surrogacy journey.
Disclaimer:This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
How Long Are Surrogates on Medications Before Embryo Transfer?
How long you’ll be on medication before embryo transfer depends on several factors specific to your situation. Most surrogates begin their medication protocol 3 to 6 weeks before the scheduled transfer date.
Your fertility clinic creates a personalized medication schedule based on your menstrual cycle, how your body responds to hormones, and the intended parents’ timeline.
Some surrogates may need a shorter preparation period if their body responds quickly, while others might require additional time to achieve optimal uterine lining thickness.
The medication before embryo transfer serves a vital purpose: preparing your uterus for a successful embryo transfer.
This careful timing coordination ensures the best possible environment for pregnancy.
Essential Medications Surrogates Take Before Transfer
Birth control pills often start your medication protocol, helping synchronize your cycle with the intended parents’ timeline. This synchronization is fundamental to the entire process and typically begins several weeks before other medications.
Lupron
Lupron suppresses your natural ovarian function, allowing doctors to control your hormone levels precisely.
You might experience mild menopausal symptoms like hot flashes or headaches, but these side effects are temporary and manageable.
Estrogen
Estrogen medications build up your uterine lining and come in various forms including pills, patches, or injections. Your doctor monitors your estrogen levels through regular blood tests and adjusts dosages as needed to achieve optimal lining thickness.
Progesterone
Progesterone supports embryo implantation and early pregnancy maintenance.
This medication before embryo transfer comes as intramuscular injections, vaginal suppositories, or gel applications. If pregnancy occurs, progesterone continues through the first trimester.
Concerned about needles? Learn pain management techniques for before, during and after injections for surrogacy.
Monitoring and Adjustments During the Medication Phase
Regular blood tests monitor your hormone levels to ensure medication before embryo transfer is working effectively. These tests help your medical team adjust dosages and timing for optimal results.
Transvaginal ultrasounds measure your uterine lining thickness, with the goal of achieving at least 8-10 millimeters before transfer. Your doctor tracks this measurement throughout your medication cycle to determine transfer readiness.
Medication adjustments are common and expected during this process. Your fertility team may modify dosages, timing, or medication types based on your body’s response. These changes optimize your preparation and improve transfer success rates.
American Surrogacy coordinates with your clinic to ensure seamless communication throughout this process.
Learn more about the surrogacy medical process.
What If the Transfer Timeline Changes?
Transfer timelines sometimes change due to various factors, and this flexibility often improves success rates. Your uterine lining might need additional time to reach optimal thickness, or the intended parents may need schedule adjustments.
Medical teams prioritize giving embryos the best chance for successful implantation, even if it means extending your medication before embryo transfer period.
These delays typically occur for important medical reasons and don’t negatively impact pregnancy outcomes.
Many successful surrogates have experienced timeline changes without affecting their journey’s success. Trust that your medical team’s decisions prioritize both your health and the pregnancy’s viability.
Common Questions Surrogates Ask About Medications
“Are the shots going to hurt?”
Progesterone injections are often surrogates’ biggest concern, but they become manageable with practice.
Many partners learn to administer these shots, and techniques like ice application before injection or heat afterward can minimize discomfort.
“What happens if I forget to take something?”
If you forget to take medication before embryo transfer, contact your clinic immediately. Medical teams handle missed doses regularly and will provide specific instructions for your situation.
Don’t panic—they’re prepared to help you get back on track.
“What kind of side effects should I expect?”
Side effects typically resemble PMS symptoms including mood changes, bloating, breast tenderness, and fatigue. These effects are temporary and resolve once your medication protocol ends.
“Can I still work out?”
Exercise guidelines vary by clinic, but most surrogates can continue light to moderate physical activity during their medication phase.
Follow your specific clinic’s recommendations for the safest approach.
How American Surrogacy Supports You Through the Process
Here’s what sets us apart: we get that this whole medication thing can feel overwhelming, so we’re with you every single step of the way.
- We Handle the Coordination: We stay in constant contact with your fertility clinic so you don’t have to worry about miscommunications or feeling lost in the shuffle.
- You Get Paid What You Deserve: We believe surrogates should get top-dollar compensation because what you’re doing is priceless. All the time you spend on meds, appointments, and everything else—it’s all valued.
- Expert Support: Our team knows this process inside and out. We’re here for questions, reassurance, celebration—whatever you need.
- Great Matches: We take our time helping you find intended parents who truly appreciate what you’re doing. These relationships often turn into lifelong friendships.
With our support, you can feel confident that you’re making someone’s dream come true while getting the respect and compensation you absolutely deserve.
Ready to start your surrogacy journey with expert support? Fill out our form today to hear from a specialist who understands the medication process and can answer all your questions.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with a licensed healthcare provider or reproductive specialist familiar with your personal medical history.