An analysis of the LH profile in relation to ovarian stimulation regimes and embryo transfer rates in an in vitro fertilisation programme.

A total of 128 patients undergoing 250 in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment cycles were studied to determine the relationship between ovarian stimulation regime, the status of the oestradiol levels in the 2 days prior to human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) administration and/or the onset of the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge, and the outcome of treatment cycles. The results demonstrated that hCG administration significantly improved the embryo transfer (ET) and pregnancy rates, although the mean interval between cessation of human menopausal gonadotrophin (hMG), and the onset of the LH surge also influenced the ET rate. hMG in conjunction with clomiphene citrate did not suppress the endogenous LH surge but enhanced the oestradiol levels in the 2 days prior to hCG administration and/or the onset of the LH surge. In stimulated cycles the diurnal rhythm of urinary LH surges was abolished. Finally, in certain patients, the LH pattern appeared to be repeated in sequential treatment cycles.