OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare an intramuscular alternative, 17α-hidroxyprogesterone caproate with vaginal Crinone 8%, both of which are used for luteal support following ICSI and ET. Study Design: Two hundred seventy-two patients undergoing ICSI and ET were included. Sixty- three patients were supplemented with Crinone 8% (90 mg once daily) and 209 patients with 250 mg 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (Proluton) every four days starting on the day after oocyte retrieval. Positive βhCG, clinical pregnancy, and implantation and abortion rates were compared among these groups. RESULTS: In women undergoing ICSI and ET, once a day progesterone supplementation with Crinone beginning the day after oocyte retrieval results in comparable pregnancy, implantation and abortion rates with women supplemented with i.m. 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate. CONCLUSION: The results of vaginal progesterone administration were similar to the results obtained after intramuscular 17-HPC, which is taught to have similar effects with daily intramuscular progesterone and offered as an alternative for it, administration. It can be said that luteal phase support through vaginal administration is an effective and tolerable method.
Keywords: Luteal support, Crinone, 17-Hydroxyprogesterone caproate