Effect of the initiation of progesterone supplementation in in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer outcomes: a prospective randomized controlled trial

Abstract

To analyze the influence of the start point of luteal support on clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, and live birth rate of invitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycles. Single-center prospective randomized controlled trial. University-affiliated IVF unit. Women ≤35years of age with day 3 FSH levels <15 mIU/mL, who were undergoing their first IVF-ET cycles and received ovarian stimulation with the use of a GnRH agonist long protocol. The patients were randomized on the day of hCG trigger to receive luteal phase support either 1day after oocyte retrieval (group A) or on the day of oocyte retrieval (group B). Clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, miscarriage rate in the first trimester of pregnancy, and live birth rate per embryo transfer cycle. Two hundred thirty-three patients were enrolled in this study: 117 were assigned to group A and 116 to group B. The clinical pregnancy rate (group A vs. group B: 55.3% vs. 51.5%), implantation rate (38.4% vs. 38.0%), and miscarriage rate (7.7% vs. 7.5%) were similar between the two groups. The live birth rate also did not significantly differ between the two groups (45.7% vs. 46.6%). Our study indicated that the initiation of progesterone supplementation 1day after oocyte retrieval did not decrease the clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, or live birth rate in women undergoing IVF-ET cycles with the use of the GnRH agonist long protocol. ChiCTR-IPR-14005293.