Clinical pregnancy rates are affected when serum progesterone levels on the day of HCG are> 3.5 ng/ml in patients undergoing IVF with long protocol challenging the previous findings

Abstract

Objective: To explore if serum progesterone (P) level on the hCG day has a negative impact on the pregnancy rate in patients undergoing IVF with GnRH agonist long protocol. Design: A non-interventional, retrospective study. Materials and Methods: 2845 IVF cycles performed between 2008-2010 with a GnRH agonist long protocol were included in the study. Pituitary down-regulation was induced with leuprolide acetate. Rec FSH was started on cycle day 3. Ovulation was triggered with rec hCG. E2 and P levels were measured on the hCG day. Decision to proceed with oocyte retrieval was not based on P levels. Results: Progesterone was significantly correlated with E2 level on the day of hCG, and the number of oocytes collected (p<0.01). Patients with P level up to 3.4 ng/mL had comparable whereas the levels ≥ 3.5ng/mL were associated with significantly reduced clinical pregnancy rates.