Corpus Luteum Function and Cardiovascular Adaptation in a Natural MOCK Cycle.

Corpus Luteum Function and Cardiovascular Adaptation in a Natural MOCK Cycle.

In infertility treatment, embryos are created in vitro after eggs have been fertilised by sperm using in vitro fertilisation or intracytoplasmic sperm injection techniques. These embryos, resulting from hormonal ovarian stimulation, can be transferred shortly after egg retrieval (fresh transfer) or frozen for later use. Both natural menstrual cycles and artificial cycles (using hormones to mimic a normal cycle) can prepare the uterus for embryo transfer. Patients with regular menstrual cycles often prefer the non-medicated approach. However, these cycles offer less flexibility in timing because they rely on ovulation. As the number of FET cycles increases worldwide, scientists are exploring the possibility of inducing ovulation in smaller follicles to increase the flexibility of natural cycles. However, the safety for future pregnancies is unknown. This study aims to better understand the function of the corpus luteum, the follicle remnant in the ovary after ovulation, by measuring several factors that change throughout the cycle due to substances produced by the corpus luteum. The results of the study will have a direct impact on clinical practice by increasing the flexibility of frozen transfer cycles.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age below 40 years
• Regular menstrual cycles (between 25-35 days)
• Normal BMI between 18.5 and 35

Exclusion Criteria:

• Underlying renal or cardiac disease
• Hypertension
• Diabetes mellitus
• Contraceptive use less than 3 months before MOCK cycle, including: IUD (hormonal and copper), hormonal patch, contraceptive pill (combination and mini), hormonal intravaginal ring, contraceptive implant, contraceptive injection.
• Ovarian stimulation during the previous three months
• History of recurrent pregnancy loss (defined as 2 or more previous pregnancy losses before 24 weeks gestation).