Background: Despite the high number of frozen embryo transfer cycles being conducted, there is much debate about which protocol for endometrial preparation is ideal.
Aim: The aim of this study is detect the value of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GNRH-a) in the preparation of the endometrium regarding the cycle outcome.
Materials and Methods: One hundred forty women participated in the study. They were randomly divided into two groups; group 1 and group 2. The patients of group 1 received injection of GnRH-a triptoreline (3.75 mg) on the day-21 of the menstrual cycle proceeding the replacement cycle. Both groups received exogenous estradiol starting from the second day of the cycle then the dose was increased incrementally till the endometrial thickness was ≥ 8mm or more. Progesterone was given to the patients before embryo transfer and continued thereafter. Twelve days later, serum pregnancy test was done and if positive, transvaginal ultrasonography was done two weeks later for detection of embryo cardiac activity.
Results: Both groups showed no statistically significant differences regarding demographic, clinical and laboratory data and their relations to pregnancy. Serum pregnancy tests detected chemical pregnancy that was confirmed by transvaginal ultrasonography at 6 weeks gestation in only 49.3% of women (clinical pregnancy rate =49.3%). Only six women aborted at 8-12 weeks gestation (ongoing pregnancy rate =45%). There were no significant differences between both groups regarding the clinical outcome.
Conclusion: Addition of GNRH-a to HRT to prepare the endometrium in the FTE transfer cycle had no significant effect on the clinical outcome.