In vitro fertilisation: which hormones do we monitor during an IVF cycle?

As we know, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) involves extracting oocytes from a woman’s ovaries so that they can be fertilised by sperm in a laboratory. Once fertilisation has taken place, a limited number of the embryos obtained are transferred to the woman’s uterus so that they can continue their natural development there.

The woman’s oocytes are extracted through a procedure called ovarian puncture, a simple surgical procedure, and the sperm is usually obtained through masturbation, testicular biopsy, or, if necessary, frozen donor semen.

To work correctly in IVF, we need more than one oocyte, which is what a woman normally produces in her natural cycle. For this reason, all women who undergo in vitro Fertilisation receive hormone treatment, which will cause their ovaries to function in a way that could be described as more intense.

This whole process, which may seem very easy, requires rigorous monitoring by a gynaecologist specialising in reproduction, using ultrasound scans and hormone tests. Why? Because we need to know when the woman is ready for the puncture and extraction of the eggs from her ovaries, so that the IVF treatment has a greater chance of success.

Thanks to daily ultrasound and hormone monitoring, it will be possible to assess follicular development and determine the most appropriate time to perform the oocyte extraction.

Which hormones do we monitor during an in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycle?

Essentially two: oestradiol and progesterone.

Oestradiol is a hormone secreted by the follicles (structures found in the ovary that contain the oocytes). As the follicles increase due to the effect of the hormonal medication given to the woman, the level of oestradiol rises. The greater the follicular development, the higher the level of oestradiol. This is monitored every two or three days by means of a blood test, the results of which must be known on the same day as the extraction.

Progesterone, on the other hand, is a hormone in the second phase of a woman’s cycle, called the luteal phase, and its levels should not rise. It is monitored because there are cases in which its increase is related to poorer IVF treatment results.

Once the doctor has assessed, based on the ultrasound scans and the levels of oestradiol and progesterone, that the number of follicles developed and their size are optimal, they can determine the most appropriate time to perform the ovarian puncture and extract the oocytes from the woman.

Why trust URE for your In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment?

At URE Centro Gutenberg, we have been performing assisted reproduction techniques in Málaga for almost 30 years, since we achieved the first pregnancy through IVF in the province back in 1989.

Since then and to this day, our team has continued to grow, train and gain more experience in reproductive medicine, from the simplest to the most advanced techniques. We are specialists not only in treatments such as in vitro fertilisation, but also in artificial insemination, pre-implantation genetic diagnosis and egg donation.

If you are considering undergoing assisted reproduction treatment but still have questions that need answering, don’t hesitate: make an appointment at URE Centro Gutenberg and let us help you.