A sufficient supply of progesterone during the time of implantation is important. There are various progesterone preparations. One important preparation is "Arefam". It is usually swallowed, but it is also very well absorbed through the vagina. It also makes you less tired when used in this way. Therefore, please do not be confused by the package insert if you are supposed to insert the capsules into the vagina. This is fine and is what our medical team suggests.
However, after inserting the soft capsules, you may experience a whitish, greasy discharge, which is completely normal for this application in the vagina.
There are two crucial phases in the menstrual cycle: 1) the so-called "follicular phase" and 2) the so-called "corpus luteum phase", which is also called the "luteal phase".
In the follicular phase, a follicle matures, which contains the egg cell that can be fertilised by a sperm cell after ovulation. As soon as the contents of the follicle have emptied into the fallopian tube together with the egg cell at ovulation, the follicle transforms into the corpus luteum. However, the follicle not only takes care of the egg, it also produces oestrogen, an important hormone that helps the lining of the uterus to grow again after menstruation. The corpus luteum, in turn, mainly produces progesterone, which the mucous membrane "takes over" from the oestrogen, so to speak, and prepares it for the implantation of the egg and thus for pregnancy. This is where the name pro gestare, i.e. for pregnancy, comes from.
A sufficient supply of progesterone during the period of implantation is therefore always important, regardless of whether sexual intercourse, insemination or treatment with IVF is to lead to success. Progesterone can be used as a medicine in various forms. One important preparation is "Arefam", which contains progesterone in a special dosage form. The preparation is normally swallowed, but it is also very well absorbed through the vagina, i.e. "vaginally", so we often prescribe it this way. It also makes you less tired when used in this way. So please do not be confused if you read in the package insert that you should swallow Arefam and we have prescribed that you should insert the capsule into the vagina. It is intended by our team of doctors.
However, after inserting the soft capsules, you may experience a whitish, greasy discharge, which is completely normal for this application in the vagina.