Luteal phase progesterone increases live birth rate after frozen embryo transfer.

OBJECTIVE

To see if progesterone support has a beneficial effect on live birth rate after frozen embryo transfer in natural cycles.

DESIGN

Prospective randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

University-based hospital.

SUBJECT(S): Four hundred thirty-five women undergoing embryo transfer in natural cycles.

INTERVENTION(S): The women received either vaginal progesterone, 400 mg twice a day from the day of embryo transfer in natural cycles, or no progesterone support.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Live birth rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, pregnancy rate, and spontaneous abortion rate.

RESULT(S): Live birth rate were significantly greater in women receiving vaginal progesterone as luteal phase support after frozen-thawed embryo transfer in natural cycles compared with those who did not take progesterone. There were no differences in biochemical pregnancy rate, pregnancy rate, or spontaneous abortion rate.

CONCLUSION(S): Progesterone supplementation improves live birth rate after embryo transfer in natural cycles.