Endometrium preparation with exogenous estradiol and progesterone for the transfer of cryopreserved blastocysts

Abstract

Objective: To determine the implantation rates of cryopreserved blastocysts using controlled E2 and P replacement cycles in women with functioning ovaries.

Design: Retrospective clinical study.

Setting: University teaching hospital.

Patients: Infertile women with cryopreserved blastocysts obtained from previous IVF attempts.

Interventions: Exogenous E2 was administered orally from cycle day 1 and P was started transvaginally from day 15. Blastocysts were transferred on the 5th day of endometrial exposure to P (day 19).

Main outcome measures: Blastocyst implantation rate and pregnancy rate (PR).

Results: Ninety-eight percent of blastocysts survived thawing: 67 were transferred in 42 women. Eight pregnancies occurred giving a PR of 19% per ET and 11.9% per blastocyst.

Conclusion: The high PR observed after transferring blastocysts on the 5th day of endometrial exposure to P in controlled E2 and P replacement cycles speaks for a forward slide of the window of transfer in case of blastocysts.