Spontaneous ovulation versus HCG triggering for timing natural-cycle frozen-thawed embryo transfer: a randomized...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Assisted Reproductive Technologies

Background:

• Frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) in a natural cycle (NC) is standard for ovulatory patients.
• Accurate timing of FET within the natural cycle is crucial for success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare serial monitoring for spontaneous ovulation versus human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) triggering for timing NC-FET.
• To evaluate the impact on cycle monitoring frequency and clinical outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Sixty women undergoing NC-FET were randomized into two groups: HCG triggering (Group A) or spontaneous ovulation detection (Group B).
• The primary outcome was the number of clinic visits per cycle.
• Secondary outcomes included implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live-birth rates.

Main Results:

• The number of monitoring visits was significantly lower in the HCG-triggered group (3.2 ± 1.4) compared to the spontaneous ovulation group (4.7 ± 1.6) (P=0.002).
• Implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live-birth rates were comparable between the two groups.
• Demographic and reproductive characteristics were similar across both groups.

Conclusions:

• HCG triggering for ovulation in NC-FET significantly reduces the need for cycle monitoring visits.
• This approach enhances patient convenience and cost-effectiveness without compromising reproductive outcomes.
• Ovulation induction with HCG offers a more efficient strategy for NC-FET cycles.