A PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON THE VALUE OF MONITORING EXOGENOUS SOURCED SERUM HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN LEVELS DURING IVF STIMULATION: LESSONS LEARNED FROM 2,257 CYCLES

Abstract

Adding an LH component to IVF stimulation has previously been reported to improve retrieval outcomes in certain populations, when compared to follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) alone. Consequently, IVF cycles routinely utilize human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) as a means of luteinizing hormone (LH) replacement throughout stimulation, either through use of human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) or low dose hCG (ldHCG). The influence of these medications is reflected in serum hCG levels. The aim of this study is to determine if serum hCG levels during the follicular phase of IVF stimulation are associated with improved embryologic outcomes.