Objective: To compare side effects and patient inconvenience of two vaginal progesterone (P) formulations for luteal support in in vitro fertilisation cycles.
Study design: Sixty infertile patients at risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome were randomised to receive either Cyclogest vaginal suppositories 400mg twice daily or Crinone 8% vaginal gel once daily for 14 days as the luteal support. On Day 6 and Day 16 after embryo transfer, they rated side effects and patient inconvenience into four grades: none, mild, moderate and severe by completing a questionnaire.
Results: Perineal irritation was reported by about 20% of patients in each group. Significantly more patients using Cyclogest suppositories graded inconvenience of administration, leaking out and interference with coitus as moderate or severe.
Conclusion: There was no difference in perineal irritation after Cyclogest suppositories or Crinone 8% gel although significantly more patients found inconvenience of administration, leaking out and interference with coitus after Cyclogest.