Treatment of Luteal Phase Defects in Assisted Reproduction

Title:Treatment of Luteal Phase Defects in Assisted Reproduction

Volume: 14 Issue: 8

Author(s): Elkin Munoz, Esther Taboas, Susana Portela, Jesus Aguilar, Iria Fernandez, Luis Munoz and Ernesto Bosch

Affiliation:

Keywords: Assisted reproduction treatments, GnRH agonist triggering, hCG, LH, luteal phase support, progesterone.

Abstract: Abnormal luteal function is a common issue in assisted reproduction techniques associated with ovarian stimulation probably due to low levels of LH in the middle and in the late luteal phase. This defect seems to be associated with supraphysiological steroid levels at the end of follicular phase. The luteal phase insufficiency has not got a diagnostic test which has proven reliable in a clinical setting. Luteal phase after ovarian stimulation becomes shorter and insufficient, resulting in lower pregnancy rates. Luteal phase support with progesterone or hCG improves pregnancy outcomes and no differences are found among different routes of administration. However, hCG increases the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. In relation to the length of luteal support, the day of starting it remains controversial and it does not seem necessary to continue once a pregnancy has been established. After GnRHa triggering ovulation, intensive luteal support or hCG bolus can overcome the defect in luteal phase, but more studies are needed to show the LH utility as support.

Cite this article as:

Munoz Elkin, Taboas Esther, Portela Susana, Aguilar Jesus, Fernandez Iria, Munoz Luis and Bosch Ernesto, Treatment of Luteal Phase Defects in Assisted Reproduction, Current Drug Targets 2013; 14 (8) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1389450111314080002