Clinical pregnancy rates affected when serum progesterone levels on day of hcg > 3.5 ng/ ml in patients undergoing IVF, finds research

In all 2845 In vitro fertilization cycles were performed between 2008-2010 with a GnRH agonist long protocol were included in the study. Pituitary down-regulation was induced with leuprolide acetate. Rec FSH was started on cycle day 3. Ovulation was triggered with rec hCG. E2 and P levels were measured on the hCG day. Decision to proceed with oocyte retrieval was not based on P levels.

Progesterone was significantly correlated with E2 level on the day of hCG, and the number of oocytes collected (p<0.01). Patients with P level up to 3.4 ng/mL had comparable whereas the levels ≥ 3.5ng/mL were associated with significantly reduced clinical pregnancy rates.

These results show that elevated P levels on the hCG day may reduce the success rate of In vitro fertilization in patients undergoing IVF with long protocol. However, study findings indicated that this reduction occurred only after serum P levels exceeded 3.5 ng/mL challenging the previous findings indicating an adverse effect with lower levels.

For further reference log on to: Urman,a,b O. Oktem,a,b E. Alper,b K. Yakin,b S. Aksoy,b R. Mercan.b a Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey; b Women’s Health Center Assisted Reproduction Unit, American Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. FertilitySterilty