At the 2017 American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) Scientific Congress and Expo, researchers unveiled pivotal findings from multiple studies, with one focused on the role of progesterone in frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles. This particular study revealed that relying solely on vaginal progesterone replacement was significantly less effective for achieving ongoing pregnancies compared to cycles that included injections of progesterone.
Why This Study Matters
The motivation behind this study stemmed from the firsthand experiences of fertility specialists who have seen the discomfort that intramuscular progesterone injections can inflict on patients. Dr. Emily Thompson, the lead researcher, highlighted the gap in high-quality data regarding the effectiveness of vaginal progesterone compared to injections. “We wanted to clarify whether patients could achieve satisfactory live birth rates without the daily discomfort of injections,” she explained.
The study involved three groups: one using only vaginal suppositories, another receiving only intramuscular injections, and the last group using a combination of both methods. The researchers sought to explore if less painful methods could still yield similar success rates.
Understanding Progesterone’s Role in FET
During a fresh IVF cycle, progesterone levels are naturally elevated due to immediate follicle stimulation. However, in FET cycles, these levels drop since the follicles aren’t stimulated right before implantation. To enhance the likelihood of a successful pregnancy, it’s crucial to supplement progesterone for patients undergoing FET.
Key Findings from the Study
Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: the first used vaginal suppositories (Endometrin® 200 mg), the second received intramuscular injections (50 mg of progesterone in oil), and the third combined both methods. Results showed that using vaginal progesterone alone led to a one-third decrease in ongoing pregnancy rates, prompting researchers to discontinue that arm of the study.
What This Means for Patients
The findings strongly indicate that vaginal progesterone alone is less effective than the other two methods that included injections. The intention was to track live birth outcomes further, but the clear disparity in pregnancy rates led to a halt in that arm of the research.
Dr. Thompson emphasized the hope that the remaining methods would show comparable live birth rates, potentially reducing the number of injections patients endure during FET cycles. “We are committed to using research to improve patient experiences and outcomes,” she noted.
Conclusion
In short, the 2017 study on progesterone has significant implications for how fertility treatments are approached, suggesting that a combined method may offer better chances of success while minimizing discomfort. For more information on related topics, you can read about uterine rupture during labor and delivery here. If you’re interested in home insemination, check out the Cryobaby at-home insemination kit, which offers a convenient solution. Additionally, for insights on IUI success rates, this WebMD resource can be quite helpful.