Progesterone for the luteal support of assisted reproductive technologies: clinical options

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Posaci C., Smitz J., Camus M., Osmanagaoglu K., Devroey P.

HUMAN REPRODUCTION, vol.15, pp.129-148, 2000 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 15
  • Publication Date: 2000
  • Doi Number: 10.1093/humrep/15.suppl_1.129
  • Journal Name: HUMAN REPRODUCTION
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.129-148
  • Keywords: ART, luteal support, progesterone, route of administration, HUMAN CHORIONIC-GONADOTROPIN, HUMAN MENOPAUSAL GONADOTROPIN, HORMONE ANTAGONIST CETRORELIX, CONTROLLED OVARIAN HYPERSTIMULATION, ORAL MICRONIZED PROGESTERONE, VITRO FERTILIZATION CYCLES, AGONIST HMG TREATMENT, INVITRO FERTILIZATION, VAGINAL PROGESTERONE, LUTEINIZING-HORMONE
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: No

Abstract

The role of progesterone in luteal support in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) is reviewed, There is insufficient data in ART treatment without gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues, to prove the necessity for luteal phase support using progesterone. Prospective studies have shown that ART cycles using GnRH analogues need to be supplemented. GnRH antagonists could have some adverse effects on the luteal phase, So far, no prospective randomized comparative study has been performed to investigate the necessity for luteal phase support when antagonists are used in ART cycles. Clinical outcome data (pregnancy and abortion rates) show similar success rates for human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) or progesterone supplementation. A major disadvantage of using HCG is the risk of maintaining or enhancing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, Of the several routes of administration of progesterone, the vaginal route is preferred because of its ease of use, reduced side-effects and, most importantly, the first uterine pass effect.