Effectiveness of high-dose transvaginal progesterone supplementation for women who are undergoing a frozen-thawed embryo transfer

PurposeTo evaluate the effectiveness of high-dose progesterone supplementation for women who are undergoing a frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET). MethodsAmong the 2010 FET cycles that were included in the present study, 1188 were 1200mg/d of vaginal progesterone, while 822 were 900mg/d. The dose of progesterone that was used was decided by the treatment period and additional progesterone supplementation was used when the serum progesterone levels were <9ng/mL on luteal day 5. ResultsThe clinical pregnancy rate was higher in the 1200mg group than in the 900mg group. The mean serum progesterone level on luteal day 5 in the 1200mg and 900mg groups was 12.6ng/mL and 13.4ng/mL, respectively. The rate of additional progesterone supplementation was higher in the 1200mg group. A logistic regression analysis identified a younger age (37years) and the use of 1200mg progesterone as independent predictive factors for the clinical pregnancy outcome. The analysis of the infant outcomes revealed no significant difference in the distribution of birth ages and weights. ConclusionHigh-dose transvaginal progesterone of 1200mg/d as luteal support contributed to good pregnancy outcomes.