Why are there different forms of progesterone?

Cyclogest and Utrogestan are commonly given vaginally, Utrogestan can also be taken orally, and Lubion is an injectable option. Your clinic chooses the form based on your protocol and preference.

Does progesterone cause pregnancy-like symptoms?

Yes, it can cause bloating, breast tenderness and tiredness, which can feel like early pregnancy symptoms whether or not the cycle has worked. This is a recognised source of confusion during the two week wait.

What if I forget a dose?

Contact your clinic for guidance rather than doubling a later dose or skipping it.

How long is it usually continued for if the cycle is successful?

This varies by clinic and circumstances, so follow your own clinic's plan rather than a general rule.

Progesterone hormone support, given as a pessary, capsule or injection

Progesterone (Cyclogest, Utrogestan, Lubion)

Also known as Cyclogest (pessary), Utrogestan (capsule or pessary), Lubion (injection)

Written by Zayn Miah & R KhanomLast updated 17 September 2026Not clinically reviewed

Progesterone is a hormone given in various forms, including vaginal pessaries, oral or vaginal capsules, and subcutaneous injection, to support the lining of the womb.

Why it may be used

It is used to help prepare and maintain the uterine lining so that an embryo can implant and a pregnancy can continue, particularly because IVF cycles often disrupt the body's own natural progesterone production.

Where it fits in a cycle

It is typically started around the time of egg retrieval or ahead of a frozen embryo transfer, and continued through the two week wait and, if the cycle is successful, often into early pregnancy, following your clinic's specific schedule.

Side effects listed in the patient leaflet

Vaginal discharge or irritation with pessary forms
Bloating
Breast tenderness
Drowsiness or dizziness, particularly with oral capsules
Mood changes
Injection site reactions with Lubion
Headache

When to ring the clinic

•Heavy vaginal bleeding rather than light spotting
•Severe abdominal pain
•Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, swelling or difficulty breathing
•Signs of infection at an injection site if using Lubion
•Any symptom you are unsure about during the two week wait or early pregnancy

Questions people ask

Why are there different forms of progesterone?: Cyclogest and Utrogestan are commonly given vaginally, Utrogestan can also be taken orally, and Lubion is an injectable option. Your clinic chooses the form based on your protocol and preference.
Does progesterone cause pregnancy-like symptoms?: Yes, it can cause bloating, breast tenderness and tiredness, which can feel like early pregnancy symptoms whether or not the cycle has worked. This is a recognised source of confusion during the two week wait.
What if I forget a dose?: Contact your clinic for guidance rather than doubling a later dose or skipping it.
How long is it usually continued for if the cycle is successful?: This varies by clinic and circumstances, so follow your own clinic's plan rather than a general rule.

Safety

This page provides general information only and does not replace advice from your fertility clinic.
The form, and how long you continue it for, should follow your clinic's specific instructions.
The patient information leaflet in the box is the authoritative source for the product you have been given.
Tell your clinic about other medicines, allergies and medical conditions before use.

Sources

Patient information leaflets and product characteristics, electronic medicines compendium (emc). Link checked 17 September 2026.
IVF: what is IVF and how does it work?, HFEA (UK fertility regulator). Link checked 17 September 2026.

Written by patients, not clinicians. This page has not yet been reviewed by a named fertility professional, so it explains published guidance and points you to the original source instead of giving medical advice. It is not medical advice. Decisions about your treatment belong with your own clinic. Read our editorial policy and corrections policy.