Low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin during the proliferative phase may adversely affect endometrial receptivity in oocyte recipients

The effect of low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration in the proliferative phase of oocyte recipients was investigated in a prospective randomized trial. Sibling oocytes from the same donor were shared at random among two different recipients. In group I oocyte recipients received 750 IU of hCG every three days concomitant to endometrial preparation with estradiol until hCG injection to the donor, whereas in group II recipients received no hCG during endometrial priming with estradiol. Endometrial thickness was significantly lower in group I compared with group II, although similar endometrial thickness was detected during the mock cycle. Pregnancy rates were significantly lower in group I than in group II (13.6% vs. 45.4%, p0.05). Implantation rates were also significantly lower in group I (1.7% vs. 22.4%, p0.01). The study was discontinued prematurely for ethical reasons when 22 cycles were completed, as pregnancy rates were very low in group I. In conclusion, hCG administration in the proliferative phase might directly affect endometrial proliferation and receptivity.