17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate vs intravaginal progesterone in IVF-ET cycles. A prospective randomized study

One of the main issues in the management of IVF and embryo transfer techniques is to ensure adequate concentrations of progesterone. The aim of this prospective, randomized study was to compare the effectiveness of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-HPC) administered intramuscularly and intra-vaginal progesterone in gel in luteal phase support in patients undergoing IVF-embryo transfer cycles. A total of 320 patients were randomly treated with either 17-HPC (341 mg i.m. every 3 days) or progesterone vaginal gel (90 mg daily). The inclusion criteria were the use of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone down-regulation and age <40 years. The outcome of IVF in both study groups was evaluated for implantation rate, biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, and ongoing pregnancy rate. The results of this study showed that 17-HPC conferred more benefit to IVF-embryo transfer cycles compared with intra-vaginal progesterone, as demonstrated by the results of most of the main outcome parameters considered. The data showed that 17-HPC administered every 3 days appears to be more effective in providing luteal support in comparison to intra-vaginal progesterone.