A recent study concluded that hormone therapy may increase the chance of conception in couples with unexplained infertility.
The study compared couples trying to conceive naturally with couples who saw women use vaginal progesterone therapy during the second half of their menstrual cycle.
The results showed that among women receiving progesterone, 11 out of 72 (15.3%) had children. Among those not treated, 5 of 71 (7.0%) had children.
Although the birth rate doubled after the treatment, the researchers say the small numbers mean these results could happen by accident.
The researchers suggest that if a larger study yields similar results, this treatment could end up being beneficial for many infertile people around the world.
The study was presented at the annual meeting of the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) by Dr Claudia Rapperport, a researcher at Queen Mary University of London.
The study included 143 couples with unexplained infertility, a diagnosis that affects about a third of couples who are referred to fertility services.
Dr. Rapperport said: “The cost of progesterone is negligible compared to the cost of IVF and other fertility treatments. It also comes with much lower clinical risks and physical and emotional burden for the couples involved. We need more research to prove this.” results in a larger group of people, but this trial “points to a potential treatment for couples with unexplained infertility. Given its safety and low cost, there is no harm in offering this treatment at this time.”
All women in the study used ovulation tests to plan intercourse over three menstrual cycles.
Half of them were treated with 400 mg of progesterone via vaginal suppositories twice a day for 14 days.
Experts say vaginal progesterone has been used safely for over 30 years with minimal side effects, along with other fertility treatments like IVF.
Source: Independent
