Özet:

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of transdermal estrogen on pregnancy rates in addition to progesterone for luteal phase support in agonist in-vitro fertilization (IVF) / intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) / embriyo transfer (ET) cycles. Material and Methods: This randomized controlled study (RCT) enrolled a total of 142 patients with an indication for IVF/ICSI. We randomized patients prospectively to administer either progesterone (control group n=71) and additionally transdermal estrogen patch (study group n=71) as luteal support after oocyte retrieval. The levels of estrogen was determined on the day of transfer of embryo and 12th day. The main outcome measure was the ongoing pregnancy rate. Both groups were also compared for the induction characteristics, estrogen levels, β-hCG positivity, and abortion rates. Results: There were no significant differences between the groups according to age, infertility time, and indications. Both groups were similar for induction characteristics and E2 levels. β-hCG positivity rate was similar and the ongoing pregnancy rate was similar in both groups. Biochemical and clinical abortion rates were also similar in both groups. On the 12th day, estrogen levels increased significantly in those who became pregnant group. Conclusion: Our study showed that adding supplementary estrogen to the progesterone has no positive effect on β-hCG positivity, ongoing pregnancy, and abortion rates.