There's a lot of talk about infertility these days; in fact, about 10 percent of reproductive-aged couples in the U.S. have trouble getting pregnant, according to BabyCenter. Both the causes and solutions of fertility problems are varied and complex, making self-diagnosis virtually impossible. For some women, progesterone cream is one possible solution for making pregnancy easier to achieve.
Role of Progesterone
Progesterone raises a woman's basal body temperature following ovulation, a sign many women look for when trying to determine the fertile phase of their cycles. After ovulation, the body produces progesterone to help maintain the lining of the uterus to prepare for implantation of a fertilized egg, according to TheLaborOfLove.com. Too little progesterone can cause the lining of the uterus to be shed prematurely, making it impossible for a fertilized egg to implant.
Progesterone Cream
Progesterone cream acts as a progesterone supplement, raising your hormone levels enough to stabilize the lining of the uterus and allow for implantation of a fertilized egg, reports BabyZone. The cream can also improve the quality of cervical mucus, making it more hospitable to sperm; it allows sperm to more readily reach the egg. Progesterone cream is applied to the skin on various parts of the body, where the hormone penetrates the fatty layer and is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Usage
Progesterone cream is typically used immediately after ovulation to help protect the lining of the uterus. The cream is best absorbed through thin skin and can be applied to different areas of the body, including the neck, abdomen, inner arms, breasts, legs, hands and feet, to avoid irritation. Keep in mind that rubbing the cream in with your hands will cause your palms and fingers repeated exposure so try using different parts like your wrists, belly and legs to apply progesterone cream.
Considerations
While over-the-counter progesterone creams are readily available, these formulations are not regulated and cannot be relied upon for effectiveness, reports BabyZone. Your doctor can supply you with a progesterone product that's FDA-approved, as well as offer guidelines for safe and effective usage. If you can't seem to get pregnant, consult your doctor before trying to use progesterone cream or other fertility-enhancing products.
Warning
Keep in mind that progesterone cream isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for fertility problems. If you're having trouble conceiving, inadequate progesterone may not be the issue at all; or, it may be just one of several factors with your body or even with your partner's sperm. Your doctor can perform a simple blood test after ovulation to determine whether you have low progesterone and can help you decide how to proceed with any fertility issues based on the results of the test.
