Use of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Vaginal Progesterone
Suppositories For Luteal Phase Support in Gonadotropin-Induced
Cycles: A Comparative Study

Emel Ebru ÖZÇİMEN, Mustafa UĞUR, Dilek UYGUR, Necati ÖZÇİMEN, Zarif YILMAZ

Akara-Turkey

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of luteal phase support with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or micronised progesterone (MP) during exogenous gonadotropin induced cycles.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective randomised cross over study was performed to evaluate the effects of different luteal phase support treatments. Each women received luteal support either with hCG, (after ovulatory hCG injection, on days 3, 6 and 9, injection of 1500 IU hCG), or with vaginal MP (200 mg vaginal MP progesterone suppository twice a day, starting 3 days after the ovulation triggering hCG injection) or no luteal support in consequent cycles with different orders. Thirty women underwent a total of 83 cycles using gonadotropin for ovulation induction. Groups were compared according to their luteal phase lengths, midluteal progesterone levels, complications, the time of hCG administration and estradiol value at the time of hCG administration.

RESULTS: In the group of hCG luteal support, the midluteal progesterone (MLP) was significantly higher and the luteal phase length was significantly longer compared to MP and control group. Pregnancy rates were not statistically different for the groups.

CONCLUSION: Luteal phase support, during gonadotropin induced cycles, affect luteal phase positively. But, no improvement in pregnancy rates was achieved with the use of luteal phase support.

(Gynecol Obstet Reprod Med 2006; 12:000-000)

Key Words: Luteal support, Progesterone, Pregnancy, Human chorionic gonadotropin