When to Stop Progesterone After IUI?

If you’re taking progesterone after an intrauterine insemination (IUI), you’re not alone. Many women are prescribed this hormone to help support the early stages of pregnancy, but knowing when to stop can feel a little uncertain. Should you continue after a positive test? What if your test is negative? And how do you know your body is producing enough on its own?

This article will help you understand when to stop taking this prescribed hormone, what progesterone actually does to your body, and when to continue taking it.

When should I stop taking progesterone after IUI?

When you should stop taking the progesterone after an IUI procedure will depend on whether your pregnancy test is positive or negative:

If your pregnancy test is negative

Most fertility specialists suggest stopping progesterone supplements after a negative blood test. This usually happens about 14 days after your IUI procedure. When you stop progesterone, your period can start naturally within a few days. 

It’s important to wait the full 14 days after IUI before stopping taking progesterone. Testing too early may lead to false negative results.

If your pregnancy test is positive

Your doctor will usually ask you to take progesterone until about 10 to 12 weeks into your pregnancy.

Progesterone supplements help maintain the uterine lining and support the developing embryo in early pregnancy. This support continues until the placenta can produce enough progesterone on its own. Some doctors may suggest continuing progesterone for 12 to 14 weeks, based on your medical history and risk factors.

Your fertility specialist will offer personalised advice on when to stop progesterone. They will consider your history of miscarriage and other factors that may require extended support.

Why is progesterone important after IUI?

Progesterone helps create the right environment for a pregnancy to begin and grow. After IUI, it supports your body in a few ways:

• Progesterone prepares the uterine lining to facilitate the implantation of an embryo.

• It aids in reducing uterine contractions that could disrupt implantation.

• Sustains the early stages of pregnancy until the placenta is fully developed, usually by weeks 10 to 12, when it naturally takes over hormone production.

Your doctor will monitor how long you need it based on your treatment and test results. 

How does your doctor decide when to stop progesterone?

There is no set timeline for stopping progesterone. Your doctor will consider several medical factors to ensure your pregnancy is stable. These factors may include:

• Gestational time:

  • Most people use progesterone until about 10 to 12 weeks of pregnancy. This is when the placenta usually takes over hormone production.

• Ultrasound findings:

  • A strong heartbeat and healthy foetal growth are reassuring signs that progesterone may no longer be needed.

• Hormone levels:

  • Blood tests can check whether your body is producing enough progesterone on its own.

• Personal medical history:

  • If you have a history of miscarriage, spotting, or other pregnancy risks, your doctor may suggest continuing progesterone longer for extra support.

For more information about progesterone and pregnancy after IUI, including when to stop progesterone, and to receive advice tailored to your fertility condition, consider speaking with a fertility specialist. You may contact Thomson Medical to arrange a consultation for personalised guidance on progesterone management and pregnancy care.

What are the signs of low progesterone?

Low progesterone can make it harder for an embryo to implant or for a pregnancy to continue. Some signs to watch for include:

• Short menstrual cycles (typically less than 26 days)

• Spotting a few days before your period starts

• Trouble getting pregnant after several cycles of trying

• Early pregnancy losses or recurrent miscarriage

• Luteal phase issues, often confirmed through a hormone blood test

Who should take progesterone supplements?

Not everyone requires progesterone. However, your doctor might suggest progesterone supplements if certain factors could affect implantation or early pregnancy. You might be prescribed progesterone if you:

• Are over the age of 35

• Have a history of miscarriage

• Show signs of a luteal phase defect

• Have a thinner-than-ideal uterine lining

• Are using ovulation induction medications

• Have unexplained infertility

• Are managing conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis

Your fertility specialists will decide if progesterone is right for you based on your individual treatment plan.

What are the side effects of progesterone during IUI?

Doctors often prescribe progesterone after IUI. It supports the uterine lining and helps early pregnancy start. While it plays an important role in fertility treatment, it also interacts with multiple systems in the body—and that can lead to side effects.

Some are mild and expected; others depend on how the hormone is delivered (oral, vaginal, or injectable).

• Breast tenderness or swelling:

  • Progesterone prepares the body for potential pregnancy, and that includes triggering changes in breast tissue.

  • Just like in natural pregnancy, the mammary glands (specialised milk-producing glands located in the breasts) may grow, leading to breast soreness or swelling.

• Bloating and gastrointestinal discomfort:

  • Some people experience bloating, constipation, or nausea while on progesterone. 

  • This is due to its relaxing effect on smooth muscles in the digestive tract, which can slow things down and cause discomfort—especially at higher doses.

• Fatigue, mood changes, and sleepiness:

  • Progesterone can affect the brain by binding to receptors that influence mood and alertness.

  • This may lead to fatigue, mood swings, emotional sensitivity, or even drowsiness. Some describe it as feeling “off” or unusually sleepy during the day.

• Mild cramping and headaches:

  • As hormone levels fluctuate, headaches or light pelvic cramping may occur.

  • These symptoms can feel similar to those in early pregnancy or premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

• Vaginal discharge or leakage:

  • Vaginal forms of progesterone, like suppositories or gels, often lead to leakage or discharge. This is normal but can be messy and may require using liners or frequent changing. It’s not usually a cause for concern unless there's irritation or infection.

• Skin reactions from injections:

  • If progesterone is given by intramuscular injection, local side effects like redness, swelling, bruising, or tenderness at the injection site are common.

  • Doctors often give progesterone shots in the gluteal muscle with a long needle. These shots can be uncomfortable and cause muscle soreness.

Will I miscarry if I stop taking progesterone?

Stopping progesterone too early in a viable pregnancy may raise miscarriage risk. This is especially true before the placenta makes enough hormones, usually around 10 to 12 weeks. It’s important to always consult your doctor before stopping progesterone to ensure it’s safe for your individual situation.

FAQ

If I get pregnant, should I continue taking progesterone?

Yes, in most cases. Progesterone supports the uterine lining and helps maintain early pregnancy. You’ll typically continue until 10-12 weeks, when the placenta takes over hormone production. Your doctor may monitor your levels through blood tests or ultrasounds. 

If my pregnancy test is negative, can I continue taking progesterone?

No. If your blood test confirms a negative result, there's no benefit to continuing progesterone. In fact, it might delay your next period and affect your cycle.

When should I stop taking progesterone during an IUI pregnancy?

If you’re pregnant, your fertility doctor will usually recommend stopping between weeks 10 and 12. By this stage, the placenta naturally produces enough progesterone to support your pregnancy. 

When should I stop progesterone after a positive pregnancy test?

Most specialists recommend continuing progesterone until at least 10 weeks of pregnancy. Depending on your hormone levels or past pregnancy history, some may advise continuing until week 12 or even week 14. Always follow your doctor’s plan. 

How successful is IUI with progesterone?

Progesterone supplementation can improve the chances of success with IUI, especially for women with luteal phase defects, previous miscarriages, thin uterine lining, or low progesterone levels. For others with normal hormone levels, the benefit of progesterone may be less clear, but some doctors still prescribe it for added support.

Can too much progesterone harm implantation?

Side effects are very rare. The amount used in IUI cycles is typically safe. However, timing is crucial, if the uterine lining becomes too mature before the embryo arrives, it might be less receptive. That is why doctors carefully track ovulation and medicine timing.

Why do you need to check progesterone levels after IUI?

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations based on your medical conditions, request an appointment with Thomson Medical.