Subtle progesterone rise on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin administration is associated with lower live birth rates in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology: a retrospective study with 2,555 fresh embryo transfers

Objective To evaluate the association between serum P levels on the day of hCG administration and pregnancy outcome in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, prevention of premature ovulation by GnRH analogues, and fresh ET after 5 days of embryo culture. Design Retrospective, observational, cohort study. Setting Private IVF center. Patient(s) A total of 2,555 women undergoing fresh ET on day 5 in 2,062 GnRH agonist and 493 GnRH antagonist cycles. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Live birth rate. Result(s) Live birth rate in cycles with GnRH agonists was significantly lower in women with P levels ≥2.0 ng/mL (17.4%) on the day of hCG administration as compared with women with P levels