title: Transfer of cryopreserved-thawed embryos: the natural cycle versus controlled preparation of the endometrium with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist and exogenous estradiol and progesterone (GEEP).
abstract: Modeled on our successful experience with oocyte donation, we present a novel, viable approach to cryopreserved-thawed embryo transfers (ETs) in women with recalcitrant ovarian dysfunction: gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist and exogenous estradiol and progesterone (GEEP). After attainment of ovarian suppression, seven such women received physiological steroidal replacement regimens with cryopreserved-thawed ETs prospectively synchronized with the 4th day of progesterone administration and two conceived. These GEEP cycles and cryopreserved-thawed ETs were prospectively compared with cryopreserved-thawed ETs performed on the 4th day of exposure to progesterone in 20 spontaneous cycles and in 5 oocyte donation-steroidal replacement cycles. Pregnancies occurred after three cryopreserved-thawed ETs in each of these groups. We conclude that GEEP constitutes a successful preparation for cryopreserved-thawed ETs, at the least, in women with ovulatory dysfunction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School 07103-2757.
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Schmidt
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: de Ziegler
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Gagliardi
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Mellon
authors.forename: F H
authors.initials: FH
authors.lastname: Taney
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Kuhar
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Colon
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Weiss
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015925:Cryopreservation; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D004717:Endometrium / Q000187:drug effects*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000628:therapy; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D008597:Menstrual Cycle; D010906:Pituitary Hormone-Releasing Hormones / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000097:blood; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D010906:Pituitary Hormone-Releasing Hormones; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone