A SIMPLIFIED METHOD OF TIMING FROZEN EMBRYO TRANSFERS

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to compare a simple artificial hormone repl acement regimen with two other protocols incorporating pituitary down- regulation with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist for frozen embr yo transfers. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a retrospective analysis of p regnancy outcomes after 366 frozen embryo transfers timed by one of th ree hormone replacement regimens. The three regimens used were regimen A, leuprolide acetate and transdermal estradiol patches; regimen B, l euprolide acetate and oral micronized estradiol; regimen C, only oral micronized estradiol. RESULTS: The outcomes oi 366 consecutive frozen embryo transfers according to one of the three regimens were compared and analyzed. The clinical pregnancy rates were 13.7%, 11.4% and 13.5% in regimens A, B acid C, respectively. No statistical differences wer e found among the three regimens. The mean age of the patients in the three groups was comparable. The mean number of frozen embryos transfe rred with regimen B was slightly higher, but it did not have a positiv e impact on the pregnancy rate in this group. CONCLUSION: Controlled s equential hormone replacement results in an endometrium suitable for f rozen embryo transfers. Pituitary down-regulation is not necessary, Th erefore this regimen is not only more simple to use but also more econ omical.