TY  - JOUR
AU  - Churchill, Alexandra
AU  - Georgiou, Ektoras
AU  - Abruzzo, Veronica
AU  - Polyakov, Alex
AU  - Teh, Wan Tinn
PY  - 2025
DA  - 2025/4/11
TI  - Feasibility of a Progesterone-Modified Natural Protocol for Frozen Embryo Transfer: Protocol for a Pilot Cohort Study
JO  - JMIR Res Protoc
SP  - e66579
VL  - 14
KW  - frozen embryo transfer
KW  - fertility care
KW  - reproductive health
KW  - infertility
KW  - progesterone-modified natural cycle protocol
KW  - in vitro fertilization
AB  - Background: With the existence of various frozen embryo transfer (FET) methods currently used in the field of assisted reproductive technologies, the debate surrounding which of these is superior remains. All FET protocols aim to prime the endometrium and time embryo transfer during the window of implantation. Current methods include the true natural cycle FET (tNFET), modified natural cycle FET, artificial cycle FET, and ovulation induction. Each of these harbors, distinct advantages and disadvantages, namely, surrounding the timing of transfer and flexibility conferred through this process. More recently, a newer approach has been used whereby the need to monitor or trigger ovulation is circumvented, with luteal phase support commenced once a certain follicle diameter and endometrial thickness criteria are met but before ovulation. However, the research into this protocol has certain important limitations that our study seeks to address. Objective: This study aims to assess the feasibility of a progesterone-modified natural cycle protocol for FET. The primary outcome will be the presence of a corpus luteum on ultrasound scans on the day of embryo transfer. The secondary outcomes will include the number of clinic visits required per patient undergoing the protocol, biochemical pregnancy rate, and clinical pregnancy rate. Methods: We will conduct a prospective cohort study, recruiting 20 women undertaking FET at the Public Fertility Care of The Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. These women will be matched to a control group who have undergone the tNFET protocol within the preceding 12 months of the study start date. Results: This project received ethics approval on July 17, 2024, with commencement of the study in September 2024, aiming for a duration of completion of 9 months. The completion of the follow-up and submission of the study for publication are anticipated for September 2025. Conclusions: After this preliminary study, the aim would be to progress to a noninferiority randomized controlled trial to compare the progesterone-modified natural cycle protocol for FET to the tNFET. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/66579 
SN  - 1929-0748
UR  - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2025/1/e66579
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2196/66579
UR  - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/40215104
DO  - 10.2196/66579
ID  - info:doi/10.2196/66579
ER  -