Oral progestogen versus intramuscular progesterone for luteal support after assisted reproductive technology treatment: a prospective randomized study.

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of oral progestogen, chlormadinone acetate, and intramuscular (IM) progesterone for luteal support in patients, undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment, who were treated with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa).

Methods: This was a prospective randomized study of 40 patients with normal and high response (serum estradiol > 2,000 pg/ml) in GnRHa down-regulation. Patients were randomized to receive either oral chlormadinone acetate or IM progesterone. The outcomes of ART treatment, including pregnancy and embryo implantation rates, were analyzed.

Results: There were no significant differences in the clinical pregnancy rates (25 vs. 20%) and in the implantation rates (12.7 vs. 9.1%) of patients who received IM progesterone and oral chlormadinone acetate. Endometrial thickness was also comparable between oral chlormadinone acetate and IM progesterone.

Conclusion: Oral progestogen, chlormadinone acetate showed a comparable pregnancy rate and live birth rate with IM progesterone as luteal support for the high responders. The optimal methods for luteal support may be dependent on responses to stimulation with gonadotropin, although it is not concluded that oral chlormadinone acetate is recommended as an option for luteal support in high responders.