Crinone 8%

As I previously mentioned in my IUI post I don't care too much for the Crinone 8% progesterone. I have used this first morning following my IUI  and continuing through my two week wait. Do not stop taking your progesterone therapy until your doctor says it is okay. A sudden drop in progesterone can lead to a miscarriage.

What does it look like?

(source)

 
How to use it
The Crinone 8% comes in single dose tubes. You insert it into your vagina and squeeze the end to push the cream out.  Repeat the whole process again tomorrow morning. I do insert it after my shower. My doctor told me to insert it anytime before 10 a.m..

Cost
For a box of 30 (which is about two IUI cycles worth for me) it costs $475 from Freedom Fertility Pharmacy. Our insurance luckily covers this so I just had to pay a $40 co-pay. There has been a couple of times that my clinic has given me samples. So make sure you ask if they have any!

Side Effects (listed on their website)
Breast enlargement; breast pain; changes in sex drive; constipation; cramps; depression; diarrhea; difficult or painful sexual intercourse; drowsiness; fatigue; fluid retention/bloating; headache; increased appetite; joint pain; nausea; nervousness; pain around vaginal area; sleep disorder;  frequent urination at night; vomiting.

My own experience
I personally have noticed breast enlargement; breast pain; cramps; depression; drowsiness; fatigue; fluid retention/bloating; nausea;and frequent urination at night. It is important to note that this side effects could have been caused by any of the meds I may have taken during my IUI cycle. And they all can cause similar side effects. I don't like how it's messy on my underwear. And it tends to clump up and hang out against my cervix. That's the worst pretty. I never feel fully clean. (TMI!)

I have not taken any other forms of progesterone therapy at this point.  For IVF I will be using the Progesterone in Oil shots. Which I hear are a blast too!

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What has been your experience with Crinone? Like it? Dislike it? I would love to hear!