Luteal phase support

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Infertility Treatment
• Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

Background:

• Luteal phase support is crucial in ART cycles to enhance implantation and pregnancy rates.
• Different methods and compounds have been investigated for optimal luteal phase support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish consensus on the necessity of luteal phase support in ART.
• To determine the optimal progesterone compound and route of administration for luteal phase support.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive review of published literature on luteal phase support in ART.
• Analysis of studies involving progesterone administration (oral, vaginal, intramuscular) in women undergoing ART.

Main Results:

• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-agonist protocols require luteal phase support.
• Progesterone is preferred over human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) due to a lower risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
• Vaginal and intramuscular progesterone yield similar implantation and pregnancy rates, with vaginal administration being more convenient and preferred by patients. Oral progesterone is less effective.

Conclusions:

• Luteal phase support with progesterone is indicated in in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles.
• Support may not be necessary beyond the serum pregnancy test.
• Vaginal progesterone gel is a convenient and effective option for luteal phase support in ART.