Progesterone Levels & Egg Retrieval: What You Need to Know

Question
Hello,

I am scheduled to have a oocyte retrieval soon. And my doc had mentioned to me that my progesterone level was slowly increasing and that he's afraid that my uterus will become hostile for embryos. My prog level went from 3.7 Sat to 4.6 Mon and retrieval this Wed. I am instructed to take progesterone injections the day after retrieval. Leaving me confused.
He mentioned that he may even want to freeze the embryos until my level is stable.
Is my progesterone level that crutical when it comes to my transfer of the embryos?
Thanks in advance for your advice.

Answer
Hello Delesa from the U.S.,

Yes, the progesterone level is important because the progesterone causes the reconfiguration of the endometrial lining to accept the embryos.  If this reconfiguration occurs too early, the lining will be out of sync with the embryos and implantation will not occur.  I would be surprised if that happened, however, because the ovary is usually suppressed by either an GnRH antagonist or a GnRH agonst to prevent any additional hormone production.  That is why we have to give all the hormones and the supplements.

Sincerely,

Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com

Monterey, California, U.S.A.

for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on facebook and twitter with me at @montereybayivf