Endometrial structure after superovulation: a prospective controlled study.
OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the effect of superovulation using a GnRH agonist (GnRH-a) and hMG and hCG on endometrial structure. DESIGN: Prospective, case-controlled study. SETTING: Tertiary referral assisted reproduction unit in an academic department. PATIENTS: Eleven women undergoing GIFT or IVF, without ET. INTERVENTIONS: All women were treated with a long stimulation regimen using the depot GnRH-a Goserelin (ICI, Macclesfield, United Kingdom) and hMG and hCG. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Comparison of endometrial biopsy specimens taken 4 days after ovulation in an unstimulated cycle with specimens taken 4 days after oocyte recovery, using standard dating criteria and morphometric analysis. RESULTS: There was no difference in endometrial glandular development as assessed by either standard criteria or morphometric analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Superovulation preceded by pituitary down regulation is not associated with abnormal endometrial glandular development, even though supraphysiological levels of E2 and P are induced.