Progesterone in early pregnancy after miscarriage history: NHS or private options?

[theotherfossilsister]

I’m forty with a history of miscarriage. My wonderful ds was conceived by ivf. I’m five weeks pregnant which is a huge surprise. I’ve been trying to get progesterone because of my history although epu and gp both say no, unless I’m spotting. Is this right? Can I go private and get it or will a private gp say the same? Will this baby have a chance without it?

This is the policy in my area too. I didn’t have IVF but did have other fertility treatment at a clinic, and one of the consultants was happy to issue a private prescription for cyclogest. It’s expensive though, and you’ll need to call ahead to the pharmacy as not everywhere routinely stocks it, or stocks large amounts.

We went private. I’ve been told by several people GPs won’t prescribe as it’s too expensive.

private is the only way - do you have a good relationship with your old IVF clinic - mine were very good about arranging progesterone when I conceived naturally inbetween IVF cycles

Thank you all, I think I found a link where I can buy it online

is this legit?

https://www.medsforless.co.uk/cyclogest/

Have you tried another EPU in your area? I’m in Manchester so close to a couple, one Trust refused and another offered it straight away. Congrats on your pregnancy, I’ll have my fingers crossed for you

Thank you @LPR16

There's only one where I live

I’m sorry to hear that @theotherfossilsister

To try & reassure you about this pregnancy, progesterone will help if you have low progesterone. If there’s somewhere privately you could get a progesterone level test, if they were low maybe that would force your GPs hand to prescribe

Thanks @LPR16

i was told it was low during ivf and miscarried first time, then second is my ds. Just worried xx

Same brand as what I am on :)

That’s completely understandable, I’m so sorry you’re not getting the support you should from your GP and EPU when you’ve been told your levels are low 😔

Thank you both xxx

The box looks the same as the one I get through the NHS.
You can get a prescription from 'plan my baby's but it definitely won't be cheap!
Wishing you lots of luck with this pregnancy.

thank you @bk1981

there's no bad side effects of taking it not on prescription are there?x

Not that I know of. It amplifies general pregnancy symptoms- tiredness etc. I've never had my progesterone levels checked; they just gave it to me after my 2nd trimester loss.

@theotherfossilsisterI don't believe there is. I'm prescribed it cause of a previous loss, even though my progesterone levels have never been checked. I did query what if I then had too much of it, and apparently that's not a problem. So I don't think there's any harm in taking it whether your prescribed from a doctor or not

If you do get a prescription Boots was the only pharmacy which could get it reliably, and you can get clubcard points on private prescriptions! I earned a huge number of points during IVF.