Susten Vaginal Gel (progesterone) is used to treat infertility in women. The medication works by encouraging the body to release an egg for natural fertilization and, when used during in vitro fertilization (IVF), helps overcome issues with the fallopian tubes and/or endometriosis (tissue growing outside the womb). It may also help patients overcome other, unknown issues.

This product's active ingredient, progesterone, is a naturally-occurring hormone found in both men and women. In women it is responsible for a number of reproductive characteristics; it promotes release of eggs, prepares the uterus to receive a fertilized egg, helps maintain the uterus throughout pregnancy, and prepares the breasts for a nursing baby.

Women who are unable to conceive, have multiple miscarriages, or otherwise have problems during pregnancy may be good candidates for Susten Vaginal Gel. Progesterone levels can be checked with a simple blood test.

Using Susten Vaginal Gel

Susten Vaginal Gel comes in sachets, each of which represents a single dose. Each dose should be placed in the applicator, which is included with each package, which is then inserted into the vagina and the medication released. The applicator, if it will be reused, should be thoroughly cleaned after each use.

Most patients use Susten Vaginal Gel just once per day, but doctor instructions may vary. Duration of use is much more variable; it will depend on the intended purpose, how low progesterone levels are, and other fertility medications being taken. As a rough rule, use of Susten Vaginal Gel can continue through the first month of pregnancy, though it may last much longer.

As Susten Vaginal Gel's active ingredient, progesterone, is naturally found in high levels during pregnancy, it will not cause harm to unborn babies. It should not be used after birth, however, especially if breastfeeding---progesterone levels plummet after birth, which triggers lactation.

Some of the gel may stay in the vagina for several days after application. Women may experience discharge that is cloudy-white to brownish, and it may cause mild vaginal irritation and/or swelling. As long as these symptoms remain mild they're not cause for concern.

Precautions & Contraindications

Susten Vaginal Gel should not be used by everyone, most notably women who have:

• Porphyrias, a blood disorder
• A blood clot
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding of unknown cause
• Cancer of the genital tract
• Breast cancer
• History of heart attack or stroke

If a woman becomes pregnant while using Susten Vaginal Gel, but the baby has died inside the womb, use of the gel should stop.

Women who should use Susten Vaginal Gel with caution include those who have:

• Impaired liver or kidney function
• Diabetes
• Migraines
• Asthma
• Depression
• Epilepsy
• Heart disease
• Hypertension

The above do not rule out use of the gel, but women are at increased risk of side effects.

Side Effects

Side effects range from common to rare, and in most cases are not life-threatening and completely reversible once treatment ends. Most common are:

• Spotting
• Tender or swollen breasts
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Bloating
• Cramps

More rarely severe side effects develop, which call for medical attention:

• Irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Dark urine
• Clay-colored stools
• Migraines
• Flu-like symptoms
• Edema
• Faintness

Susten Vaginal Gel can interact with a range of other medications. Avoid using other treatments---including over-the-counter medications and supplements---without first checking with a doctor or pharmacist.