Best Practices for Managing Your FET Calendar

To maintain accuracy and consistency in medication administration, surrogates should follow these best practices:

1. Review Instructional Videos for Injections

• Familiarize yourself with proper injection techniques by watching instructional videos.
• Rewatch tutorials as needed until you feel confident.
• 📌 Visit: Freedom MedTEACH® | Freedom Fertility Pharmacy for detailed video instructions.

2. Set Up Alarms & Reminders

• Utilize smartphone alarms, medication tracking applications, or written planners to adhere to the prescribed schedule.
• Maintain consistent timing each day for optimal hormonal balance.

3. Consult with Your Case Manager

• Any uncertainties regarding dosage, timing, or administration should be promptly clarified with your case manager or clinic nurse.
• A quick confirmation prevents medication errors and ensures adherence to protocol.

4. Verify Correct Dosage Before Administration

• Carefully review the prescribed dosage before administering any medication.
• Some medications require gradual dosage adjustments—stay informed about any changes.

5. Store Medications at the Appropriate Temperature

• Certain medications require refrigeration, while others must be stored at room temperature.
• Adhering to the recommended storage guidelines ensures medication effectiveness.

6. Monitor Your Medication Inventory

• Ensure adequate supply of medications, syringes, and necessary equipment to prevent disruptions.
• Arrange timely refills to avoid last-minute shortages.

7. Follow Proper Disposal Protocols for Needles & Syringes

• Utilize an approved sharps container for safe disposal of used injection needles.
• Many pharmacies and local health facilities offer free sharps disposal programs.

8. Minimize Medication Waste

• FET medications are high-cost pharmaceuticals; careful handling is essential.
• Ensure precise measurement and administration to prevent wastage.

Key Components of the FET Calendar

1. Oral Medications: Timing & Administration

Oral medications regulate hormonal levels and must be taken at consistent times daily for effectiveness.

📌 Common Oral Medications & Their Functions:

• Estrogen (Estrace/Estradiol): Thickens the uterine lining (typically administered morning and night).
• Doxycycline (Antibiotic, optional): Prevents infections (typically taken twice daily for five days pre-transfer).
• Medrol (Methylprednisolone, optional): Suppresses immune response to facilitate implantation (administered at night for 4–5 days pre-transfer).
• Baby Aspirin (Optional): Enhances uterine blood flow (typically taken in the morning).

📌 Please Note: The medications listed above are examples of what you may encounter during a typical FET cycle. Your exact protocol—including which medications are prescribed, their dosage, and timing—will be determined by your specific fertility doctor based on your individual medical screening and the clinic’s protocol. Always follow the instructions provided by your clinic and case manager.

📌 Recommendations for Oral Medication Use:

✔ Maintain consistent timing for oral medications.

✔ Use reminders or alarms to prevent missed doses.

✔ Follow instructions regarding food and water intake when required.

2. Injectable Medications: Proper Administration & Timing

Injectable medications are fundamental to hormonal preparation and pregnancy maintenance.

📌 Common Injectable Medications:

Medication	Purpose	Injection Type	Timing
Lupron (Leuprolide Acetate)	Prevents ovulation	Subcutaneous (stomach/thigh)	Morning
Estrogen (Delestrogen, Estradiol Valerate)	Thickens uterine lining	Intramuscular (buttock)	Evening
Progesterone in Oil (PIO)	Supports implantation & early pregnancy	Intramuscular (buttock)	Evening (same time daily)

📌 Important: Not every surrogate will receive the same medications or doses. Your protocol will be customized by the fertility doctor overseeing your case.

📌 Injection Administration Guidelines:

✔ Follow a consistent daily schedule to maintain hormonal stability.

✔ Alternate injection sites to prevent discomfort and irritation.

✔ Warm progesterone oil slightly before injection for easier absorption.

✔ Use ice or heat packs to minimize post-injection soreness.

3. Vaginal Suppositories: Application & Frequency

Certain FET protocols incorporate vaginal progesterone suppositories to support early pregnancy.

📌 Usage Guidelines:

✔ Administer as prescribed (typically twice or three times daily).

✔ Remain in a reclined position for a few minutes post-application to ensure proper absorption.

✔ Expect minor discharge—consider using a panty liner if needed.

Optimizing Medication Timing: Morning vs. Evening Administration

Time of Day	Medications Commonly Administered
Morning	Lupron, Estrogen pills, Aspirin, Doxycycline (if prescribed)
Afternoon	Vaginal suppositories (if prescribed multiple times daily)
Evening	Progesterone injections, Estrogen injections, Medrol, Doxycycline (if prescribed)

✔ Morning administration allows for timely hormonal assessments and adjustments.

✔ Evening injections sustain consistent hormone levels overnight.

Monitoring Appointments & Key Milestones

Your FET calendar includes scheduled ultrasound scans and blood work to monitor hormone levels and uterine lining thickness.

📌 Key Monitoring Stages:

✔ Baseline Scan – Confirms readiness before initiating medications.

✔ Lining Check (Estradiol Monitoring) – Assesses uterine lining thickness before transfer.

✔ Pre-Transfer Hormone Check – Verifies optimal estrogen and progesterone levels.

✔ Pregnancy Confirmation (Beta hCG Test) – Conducted 10–12 days post-transfer to confirm implantation.

💡 Recommendation: Schedule morning appointments for same-day test results and prompt medication adjustments if necessary.

Final Considerations: Ensuring Success with Your FET Calendar

✔ Follow the medication schedule meticulously—timing directly influences success rates.

✔ Utilize digital reminders and tracking tools to prevent missed doses.

✔ Maintain close communication with your fertility team for guidance and support.

✔ Trust the process—successful surrogacy journeys rely on adherence and preparation.

📞 For personalized assistance with your FET calendar, contact GSHC Surrogacy & Egg Donation today!

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