The treatment cycle of in vitro fertilization involves the intake of a fairly large range of hormonal drugs. Hormones allow doctors to control the processes that take place in the patient's body both at the stage of preparation for IVF and after the transfer of embryos into the uterine cavity. These drugs exclude spontaneous changes in hormonal levels, which means that they significantly increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Divigel is often appointed. What this drug is, how and why it is prescribed for IVF, and how to cancel the drug as a result of pregnancy, we will tell in this article.
About medicine
The drug "Divigel" is produced in Finland and is a gel-like substance for transdermal (external) use. There are two types of packages - 28 or 91 sachets in cardboard boxes. The active ingredient is the hormone estradiol, which is needed for the normal functioning of the ovaries, for bearing the fetus. Lack of this hormone in a woman's body leads to infertility or recurrent miscarriage.
The hormone in the gel is synthetic, but it is completely identical to the natural one. Without this hormone, the puberty of girls and their further fertility would be impossible. Estradiol is extremely important for the proper development of the uterus, genital tract, appendages, and the formation of mammary ducts. With the participation of estrogen, the functional layer of the endometrium is rejected monthly in the fair sex, if conception has not occurred, menstruation is taking place.
When applied externally, the gel is quickly absorbed and promotes the growth of the functional layer of the uterus - the endometrium, which is very important for the subsequent implantation of the embryo. Also, the hormone adapts the female body to an increase in the level of progesterone, which is observed in the second phase of the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy. The tool has received widespread use in planning pregnancy, including in a natural way.
Application
The success of the IVF protocol depends largely on how correctly the doctor determines the true cause of the couple's infertility and on what kind of stimulated cycle support is prescribed based on the results of tests and preliminary studies. "Divigel" is usually prescribed from the fifth day of the menstrual cycle, that is, approximately 10-14 days before oocyte puncture and embryo replanting.
If the effect of the drug on the female body is adequate, then the gel should "build up" the uterine endometrium to values that will be considered the most favorable. If the functional layer of the uterus is thin, then it will be difficult to implant the implanted embryos, and all the efforts of the doctors and the patient will not be crowned with success. It is for the preparation of the endometrium that it is recommended to take "Divigel".
After embryo transfer, the drug can be taken in conjunction with other hormonal support agents. Most often, the gel is prescribed simultaneously with such agents as "Proginova" or "Utrozhestan". Excellent compatibility "Divigel" demonstrates with the drug "Duphaston".
The individual dosage of the drug is determined by the fertility specialist. "Divigel" for IVF is most often recommended in a dosage of 1 gram once a day.
The dosage may well be reduced by half a gram or increased by the same amount, if the attending physician deems it appropriate.
The gel should be applied to the skin of the lower abdomen or forearm, or to the lumbar region and buttocks. A bag weighing 1 gram is rubbed onto an area equal to two female palms applied. The gel-like substance is applied to dry and clean skin, changing the place of rubbing every day.
The instructions for use do not recommend wetting or washing the treated skin area for at least 2 hours after application. It is advisable to apply the gel every day at the same time. The duration of admission is prescribed purely individually.
If a woman forgot to take the drug, could not rub it in on time, apply the gel no later than 12 hours after the pass, but if more time has passed, then you need to postpone the application until the next scheduled intake and continue at the usual time.
Side effects
Like most hormonal drugs, Divigel has its own side effects. They do not appear in every patient, but their development is quite possible:
- increased swelling of the face, legs, arms;
- hypertension;
- unpleasant feeling of heaviness in the stomach, bloating;
- violation of visual function, the appearance of signs of poor tolerance of contact lenses;
- engorgement of the mammary glands;
- nausea and lack of appetite;
- the appearance of the so-called breakthrough bleeding from the genitals;
- increased body weight;
- instability of mood, depressive attacks.
Often women complain of headaches, dizziness attacks while taking Divigel. The appearance of side effects is not a reason for unauthorized cancellation of the drug or changing its dosage downward. Any changes in the condition must be promptly informed by the attending physician, who, at his discretion, can replace the drug with an analogue, or cancel it, or change the dose.
An increase in the baseline risk of hormone-related effects, such as breast cancer, occurs only after five years of continuous use.
Cancellation
The instructions for use state that the drug is not intended during pregnancy, and when such occurs, the woman should immediately cancel the intake. This is only true for those who get pregnant naturally. Women who become pregnant in a stimulated IVF cycle are advised to continue taking Divigel. Pregnancy in such patients needs hormonal support in the first months.
The drug is usually taken before 12 weeks of pregnancy, after which it is canceled gradually, reducing the dosage, according to the scheme drawn up by the doctor. Abrupt cessation of taking Divigel can lead to hormonal shock, a drop in estradiol levels and miscarriage.
Compatibility with other medicines
The effect of the hormone estradiol is significantly enhanced with the simultaneous administration of barbiturates, as well as with the introduction of anesthesia. The hormonal agent begins to act more actively, and the metabolism improves when taking herbal sedatives, which include St. John's wort. But the effect of diuretics (diuretics) against the background of the use of "Divigel" is somewhat reduced.
Customer Reviews
If the drug is used correctly and the scheme is not violated, then there are practically no side effects and undesirable effects while taking Divigel transdermally. This is reported by the majority of women who left their comments on specialized forums on the Internet.
But alas, the rate of increase in the endometrium is not always the same as the patients and their reproductive specialists expect. Therefore, many people note that the drug had to be taken in advance - 1-2 months before the planned entry into the IVF protocol. For some, the drug did not help - the endometrium did not grow, they had to switch to another hormonal support.
You will learn more about the Divigel preparation in the following video.
