No need for luteal phase support in IVF cycles after mild stimulation: proof-of-concept study.
This is a pilot study performed in a private IVF unit. The objective of the study was to investigate whether luteal support is required in IVF cycles after mild stimulation with clomiphene citrate and low FSH doses. The study included 15 patients with good prognosis (defined as ≤38 years old with normal ovarian reserve and normovulatory cycles, body mass index <29 kg/m2, no previous cycles, no severe endometriosis, no history of recurrent miscarriage, no endocrine/autoimmune diseases and no surgical semen extraction from the partner) undergoing IVF with mild stimulation. Patients were monitored during the luteal phase by serum progesterone and LH. The luteal support was started only when necessary. No patient needed luteal phase support because the resultant steroid environment was different from that associated with conventional stimulation techniques. The live birth rate was 40% (6/15) and the implantation rate 30% (6/20). There are several benefits to mild stimulation, including low cost, less patient distress and improved endometrial receptivity. Our study supports the concept that mild stimulation may have an additional benefit during the luteal phase, by obviating the need for luteal phase support.
Reproductive Medicine Unit, S.I.S.Me.R., Via Mazzini 12, 40138 Bologna, Italy. Electronic address: annapia.ferraretti@sismer.it.
Anna Pia
AP
Ferraretti
Reproductive Medicine Unit, S.I.S.Me.R., Via Mazzini 12, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
Paul
P
Devroey
Reproductive Medicine Unit, S.I.S.Me.R., Via Mazzini 12, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
M Cristina
MC
Magli
Reproductive Medicine Unit, S.I.S.Me.R., Via Mazzini 12, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
Luca
L
Gianaroli
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002996:Clomiphene / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D005300:Fertility Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D006801:Humans; D008183:Luteal Phase / Q000502:physiology*; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D065851:Ovarian Reserve; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000379:methods; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D011379:Prognosis
D005300:Fertility Agents, Female; D002996:Clomiphene; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D011374:Progesterone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone
IVF; luteal phase; mild stimulation