Overview and aims:

There is a large debate on the need to perform luteal phase supplementation in intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles. This study aimed at describing the use, indications and protocols of luteal phase progesterone supplementation among Portuguese reproductive medicine doctors.

Study design:

An online anonymous survey about luteal phase progesterone supplementation in intrauterine insemination cycles was conducted.

Population:

Portuguese reproductive medicine doctors.

Methods:

The survey was sent by e-mail to the mailing list of the Portuguese Reproductive Medicine Society.

Results:

Forty-one doctors participated in the study. An equal distribution between doctors working in private and in state institutions was verified. 61.0% of those doctors had more than ten years of experience. The most common reason to indicate an IUI was unexplained infertility (51.2%), followed by anovulation (36.6%). Concerning the type of medication prescribed, in case of unexplained or male infertility, the vast majority of doctors use gonadotropins, followed by ovulation trigger with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). In case of ovulation induction with clomiphene citrate or letrozole, 53.7% and 48.8% of doctors, respectively, supplement the luteal phase, mostly through 200 mg progesterone vaginal capsules twice a day. Most doctors initiate progesterone supplementation on the day of the IUI. When ovulation induction is performed with gonadotropins, 85.4% use luteal phase supplementation, 58.5% with 200 mg progesterone vaginal capsules twice a day, starting mostly on the day of the IUI. 36.6% of the doctors end progesterone supplementation at 10 weeks’ gestation and 36.6% at 12 weeks.

Conclusions:

The vast majority of Portuguese reproductive medicine doctors prescribe similar drugs for ovulation induction. However, there is some variability concerning luteal phase supplementation and the day of starting and ending progesterone use.

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