Lutealphase nach IVF: Ist vaginales progesteron ausreichend?

Controlled ovarian stimulation with gonadotrophins and GnRH analogues causes a luteal phase defect. Support of the luteal phase (LPS) is an integral part of IVF treatment cycles. There is consensus that LPS with progesterone or hCG is mandatory in IVF cycles. Vaginal progesterone is commonly used because of the convenience and a lower risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. LPS is commonly started on the day of embryo transfer and continued until either the day of pregnancy test or until evidence of heart beat on sonography in the case of pregnancy (6-7 weeks of pregnancy). There is no evidence that an addition of estrogens, aspirin, steroids, or heparin will improve pregnancy rates.