Comparison of two micronized progesterones (Lutogel and Eutrogenic) in support of the luteal phase in patients undergoing IVF

Luteal phase support is an inevitable part of IVF programs, for this purpose, progestogenic therapies are used. Lutogel and Utrogestan are two progestogenic therapies that can be used as supportive drugs for the luteal phase. Utrogestan is a known drug to support the luteal phase. The aim of this study was to use Lutogel in case of effectiveness and tolerance as effective micronized progesterone to support the luteal phase in IVF patients due to the reduced availability in Iran.

This randomized clinical trial study (RCT) was performed on 200 patients referred to Infertility Clinic of Tehran Taleghani Hospital in 2019-2020. The subjects were divided into two equal groups and from the same day of getting oocyte one group was treated with 200 mg vaginal Lutogel and the other with 200 mg vaginal Utrogestan. Then the two groups were compared in terms of effectiveness, tolerability, safety, positive clinical pregnancy rate, successful pregnancy rate up to 12 weeks and abortion rates. Data were analyzed by SPSS statistical software (version 21) and Mann-Whitney, Chi-square and logistic tests. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Positive BHCG levels were 22% in Lutogel and 23% in Utrogestan groups that had no significant difference (P=0.866). Rate of pregnancy based on positive FHR in sonography was 18% in Lutogel and 22% in Utrogestan groups that no significant difference was found between the two groups (P=0.480). Rate of successful pregnancy up to 12 weeks was 13% for Lutogel and 15% for Utrogestan groups which showed not significant relationship between the two groups (P=0.684). The incidence of pregnancy more than 20 weeks was 14% in both Lutogel and Utrogestan groups, with no statistically significant difference (p=1.000).

The rate of positive BHCG, pregnancy based on positive FHR in sonography, and successful pregnancy up to 12 weeks were the same in the use of two Lutogel and Utrogestan drugs. Also, there was no difference in the incidence of complications. For this reason, each of these drugs can be used to support the luteal phase in patients undergoing IVF.