Does luteal estradiol supplementation have a role in long agonist cycles?

Objective: To test the hypothesis that the addition of 6 mg estradiol (E2) valerate either orally or vaginally to progesterone (P) for luteal support, can increase the probability of pregnancy in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles using the long agonist protocol. Design: Prospective open-labeled randomized controlled trial. Setting: Private and university fertility centers. Participant(s): Women undergoing ICSI cycles, with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation using long agonist protocol. Intervention(s): On embryo transfer day, participants were randomized to receive, only P (group A, n = 90), P along with 6 mg E-2 valerate either orally (group B, n = 90), or vaginally (group C, n = 90) for luteal support. Main Outcome Measure(s): Clinical pregnancy was the main outcome. luteal serum E-2 and P profiles were the secondary outcomes. Result(s): Highest pregnancy rate was achieved in group C (45.56%), it was significantly higher than A (relative risk 1.52, 95% CI: 1.03 to 2.24). Day 0 (hCG day) E2 levels were similar in the three groups. Group A had lower E2 levels on days 7, 10, and 13 and a higher magnitude of E2 decline on days 7 and 10. Similar levels of luteal E2 were documented in groups B and C. P levels were similar in the three groups. Conclusions(s): Addition of 6 mg E-2 valerate to P support may encumber the sharp decline in luteal E-2 level. It may enhance the probability of pregnancy if administered vaginally. (Fertil Steril (R) 2010;93:2182-8. (C)2010 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)