The luteal phase support is a necessary step for many expectant mothers after in vitro fertilization. Progesterone is a natural pregnancy hormone essential for maintaining pregnancy. Its main physiological function is to transform the proliferative phase endometrium into the secretory phase endometrium, preparing for the implantation of fertilized eggs and subsequent embryo development. Another important role of progesterone is to reduce the excitability of uterine smooth muscle and its sensitivity to oxytocin, inhibiting uterine contractions, which is beneficial for the growth and development of embryos and fetuses.
Why do most test-tube babies need luteal phase support?
1. During the ovulation stimulation process of test-tube babies, in order to prevent eggs from being expelled on their own, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists or antagonists are used to suppress pituitary function (down-regulation), leading to a decrease in the level of luteinizing hormone.
2. During the egg retrieval process, a large number of granulosa cells are lost, reducing the effective components of the corpus luteum. Supplementing exogenous progesterone can increase the levels of serum and local progesterone in the uterus to compensate for this deficiency.
3. For women undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfers, as there is no follicle growth and corpus luteum formation during the artificial cycle, they must rely on exogenous progesterone supplementation to maintain the required progesterone levels for embryo implantation and development.
How long is luteal phase support for test-tube babies needed?
The duration of luteal phase support medication for test-tube babies should be individualized and followed according to the doctor’s advice.
