Thin endometrium problem in IVF programs.

METHODS

Observational, comparative, prospective, multicenter study (n = 425). Group 1 (n = 228) received estradiol hemihydrate (Divigel, Orion Corporation, Finland), group 2 (n = 197) received oral estradiol valerate (Proginova, Delpharm Lille, France).

RESULTS

An increase in endometrial thickness was comparable (10.1 (2.0) mm versus 10.0 (2.3) mm; p = .571). There was significantly shorter mean duration of estrogen therapy (13.9 (3.9) days versus 14.7 (4.7) days; p = .038) and lower total dose in group 1 (43.6 (27.3) mg versus (71.9 (37.2) mg; p = .0001). Pregnancy rates were comparable (143/228 (62.7%) versus 105/197 (53.3%); p = .077) so as "take home baby" rates (80/228 (35.1%) versus 68/197 (34.5%); p = .077).

CONCLUSION

Estrogens improve the state of the endometrium and increase pregnancy rates in cases of thin endometrium in in vitro fertilization programs. The use of transdermal estrogens (Divigel, Orion Corporation, Finland) ensures an adequate increase in endometrial thickness and significantly lower estrogen doses.