Estradiol use in the luteal phase and its effects on pregnancy rates in IVF cycles with GnRH antagonist: A systematic review

Abstract

For all the steps of in vitro fertilization to occur successfully, factors such as the quality of retrieved oocytes and endometrial receptivity to the embryo must be ensured. Current studies have shown that endometrial receptivity can be optimized using dedicated exogenous progesterone for luteal phase support in assisted reproduction cycles. But it has not yet been established the benefits of additional use of estradiol in this support. Analyzing pituitary suppression protocols that employ GnRH antagonists, this review will address literature publications between the years 2000-2016, shedding light on this issue to answer questions about the benefits of supplementation.