M Cavagna, DP Pereira
JBRA Assist. Reprod. 2001; 5 (1):27-29
Received August 11, 2001
Accepted March 12, 2001
Abstract
The author reviews the effects of intravaginal progesterone on the endometrium. Vaginally administered progesterone achieves adequate endometrial secretory transformation, despite serum progesterone leveis lower than those observed after intramuscular administration; this fact can be explained by the first uterine pass effect. The author concludes that intravaginal route of administration is safe and effective for support ofthe luteal phase in assisted reproductive techniques, and observes that the sustained-release vaginal gel of progesterone has the advantage of being administered as a once daily application.
