Effects on Outcomes of Different Kinds of Endometrial Preparation Methods in Frozen Embryo Transfer Cycles During in Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer

Abstract

Objective To investigate difference of clinical pregnancy rates, spontaneous abortion rates, cycle cancellation rates among three kinds of endometrial preparation methods during frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles when treating infertility. Methods Retrospective analysis was conducted in 323 FET cases in Department of Reproductive Medicine,Shenzhen Hospital of Peking University from January to December, 2011. They were divided into three groups according to different kinds of endometrial preparation methods, natural cycle group(n= 89), induced ovulation cycle group(n = 110), and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) cycle group(n = 124). Exclusion criteria in this study included concurrent of hydrosalpinx, endometriosis and adenomyosis, endometrial polyps and poor ovarian reserve. The study protocol was approved by the Ethical Review Board of Investigation in Human Being of Shenzhen Hospital of Peking University. Results There had no significant differences in three groups among age,duration of infertility, body mass index,intima-medial thickness on transfer day, and the number and quality of transfer embryo (P>0.05). There had no significant differences in three groups among clinical pregnancy rates, spontaneous abortion rates, implantation rates, ectopic pregnancy rates and multiple pregnancy rates(P> 0.05). Rate of cycle cancellation (with embryo factor excluded) in natural cycle group was much higher than that in induced ovulation cycle group and HRT cycle group, respectively (P<0.05). Conclusions During FET cycle, three kinds of endometial preparation methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, further studies are needed to select the personalized endometrial preparation under individual conditions. Key words: Embryo transfer; Natural cycle; Cryotherapy; Induced ovulation cycle; Artificial cycle