Table 1 Comparison between IVF cycles with intense luteal support only versus additional luteal hCG

Age (yrs)

31.6 ± 4.6

29.8 ± 5.1

ns

BMI (kg/m2)

23.65 ± 3.8

23.0 ± 2.5

ns

Length of stimulation (days)

9 ± 2.1.8

10.3 ± 3.8

ns

Number of gonadotropin ampoules used

17.1 ± 3.4

22.0 ± 11.5

ns

Peak E2 levels on day of hCG administration (pmol/L)

10597 ± 669

13064 ± 3019

ns

Peak progesterone levels on day of hCG administration (nmol/L)

2.1 ± 0.2

2.3 ± 0.5

ns

Number of oocytes retrieved

18.4 ± 3.5

19.6 ± 3.0

ns

Mid-luteal progesterone levels (nmol/L)

>127

42.1 ± 14.5

<0.0001

Pregnancy rate

2/5(40%)

1/6(16.6%)

ns