[The effect of low-dose pre-ovulatory progesterone administration on the outcome of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and intra-tubal gamete transfer (GIFT)].

The influence of application of low-dose progesterone 4 hours before induction of ovulation by HCG on the outcome of IVF and GIFT was investigated in a bilateral study. The number of patients was 38 from both clinics for IVF and 36 for GIFT. With a pregnancy rate of 35.3% and 17.6% of ongoing pregnancies per transfer the results of the study are much better than before. The rather low number of patients and the low rate of transfers relativate these results. After GIFT an elevated abortion rate leads to only 11.1% ongoing pregnancies following a pregnancy rate of 33.3%. The effect of progesterone supplementation on the LH-peak and the endometrium should be further investigated to find new ways to increase success of IVF and GIFT treatment.