ABSTRACT
Background: Estrogen and progesterone are two crucial factors for endometrial preparation in frozen embryo transfer [FET] cycles. Studies assessing different forms of estradiol in FET have published already but literature lacks enough surveys on transdermal estrogen application in reproductive medicine
Objective: To investigate the effects of trans dermal estrogen [Oestrogel] on pregnancy rates in patients that candidate for FET cycle
Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 100 women undergoing FET cycles referred to Imam Khomeeini Hospital were enrolled in two groups, randomly. Group I received 8 mg/day estradiol valerate [E2 tablet] orally and group II were treated with 6 mg/day transdermal oestrogel gel after suppression with gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist. In both groups medication were started in the first day of menstruation cycle and continued until endometrial thickness reached 8 mm. Pregnancy rates [chemical, clinical, and ongoing], abortion rate, live birth rate, and frequency of complications were compared between two groups
Results: Chemical and clinical pregnancy rates were not significantly different between two groups [p=0.384]. The abortion rate was significantly lower in group II than group I [p=0.035]. Ongoing pregnancy and the live birth rates were significantly higher in group II [p=0.035]. The rate of complication was not different in two groups
Conclusion: Oestrogel seems to enhance ongoing pregnancy and live birth rates in comparison to estradiol valerate tablet