A low progesterone level in the blood may reduce the chances of having a baby by 18%

Medical Director

Cesar Diaz-Garcia

MD PhD Assoc Prof

IVI London

The importance of progesterone during pregnancy is widely known, but what if we could establish a causal relationship between the levels of progesterone and pregnancy success rates?

Over the last 3 years IVI have been investigating the impact of progesterone levels in the blood on the embryo transfer day in relation to pregnancy rates. The study; “A large prospective trial in un selected population confirms that low serum progesterone on the day of embryo transfer effects pregnancy outcome”, was one of the first of two prospective studies carried out on the matter. In total the study included 1,400 patients with a progesterone level below the norm. The results showed that pregnancy rates may drop up to 20%”, says Dr. Labarta. 

According to the latest data researchers have found that there is a progesterone cut-off level. At this level the pregnancy rates are significantly worse. The patients with serum progesterone levels lower than 8,8 ng/ml on the embryo transfer day display a 18% lower ongoing pregnancy rate. This study was of great interest among the scientific community around the world due to the impact it has on the future of reproductive medicine. In 2017 a research group headed up by Dr. Labarta published the first prospective study analysing this problem, showing that there are serum progesterone threshold levels on the embryo transfer day, which causes the ongoing pregnancy rate to decrease dramatically.

Dr. Garrido’s goes on to talk about the techniques of sperm selection criteria being one of the fundamental points to enhance reproductive success. A special focus on smart sperm selection methods was used, based on molecular features as a mechanism for selection protocols improvement. These procedures would complement or replace the current ones.

ESHRE is the biggest Human Reproduction European Congress. Every year they reach meaningful conclusions that will define the future of reproductive medicine. At IVI we are able to make huge contributions thanks to the hard work of all the researchers. IVI will continue to contribute to the medical research of reproduction and be the leading company for innovation.

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