Endometrial structure after superovulation: a prospective controlled study

Abstract

Objective: To demonstrate the effect of superovulation using a GnRH agonist (GnRH-a) and hMG and hCG on endometrial structure.

Design: Prospective, case-controlled study.

Setting: Tertiary referral assisted reproduction unit in an academic department.

Patients: Eleven women undergoing GIFT or IVF, without ET.

Interventions: All women were treated with a long stimulation regimen using the depot GnRH-a Goserelin (ICI, Macclesfield, United Kingdom) and hMG and hCG.

Main outcome measures: Comparison of endometrial biopsy specimens taken 4 days after ovulation in an unstimulated cycle with specimens taken 4 days after oocyte recovery, using standard dating criteria and morphometric analysis.

Results: There was no difference in endometrial glandular development as assessed by either standard criteria or morphometric analysis.

Conclusions: Superovulation preceded by pituitary down regulation is not associated with abnormal endometrial glandular development, even though supraphysiological levels of E2 and P are induced.