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Corpus Luteum Function and Cardiovascular Adaptation in a Natural MOCK Cycle.
Sponsor: Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel
Summary
In infertility treatment, embryos are created in vitro after eggs have been fertilised by sperm using in vitro fertilisation or intracytoplasmic sperm injection techniques. These embryos, resulting from hormonal ovarian stimulation, can be transferred shortly after egg retrieval (fresh transfer) or frozen for later use. Both natural menstrual cycles and artificial cycles (using hormones to mimic a normal cycle) can prepare the uterus for embryo transfer. Patients with regular menstrual cycles often prefer the non-medicated approach. However, these cycles offer less flexibility in timing because they rely on ovulation. As the number of FET cycles increases worldwide, scientists are exploring the possibility of inducing ovulation in smaller follicles to increase the flexibility of natural cycles. However, the safety for future pregnancies is unknown. This study aims to better understand the function of the corpus luteum, the follicle remnant in the ovary after ovulation, by measuring several factors that change throughout the cycle due to substances produced by the corpus luteum. The results of the study will have a direct impact on clinical practice by increasing the flexibility of frozen transfer cycles.
Key Details
Gender
FEMALE
Age Range
18 Years - 40 Years
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
118
Start Date
2026-07-01
Completion Date
2028-09
Last Updated
2026-06-15
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Interventions
Blood samples for the analysis of biomarkers.
We will collect several blood samples: * One at day 8 of the cycle: measurements of P, E2, Na, K, CL, CO2, Osmolality, PRL, direct renin, PAC, Nt-proBNP, Relaxin-2 and VEGF. * One for cycle follow up between day 8 and ovulation: measurement of P, E2, LH * One at day 7 after ovulation induction: measurements of P, E2, Na, K, CL, CO2, Osmolality, PRL, direct renin, PAC, Nt-proBNP, Relaxin-2 and VEGF.
Transvaginal ultrasound for follicle and endometrium measurements.
A transvaginal ultrasound will be performed after day 8 of the cycle to evaluate a 2D measurement of the growing follicle, as well as a measurement of the endometrial thickness to evaluate readiness for ovulation induction.
Mean Arterial Pressure measurement.
The MAP will be measured at cycle day 7 and 7 days post-ovulation induction to follow cardiovascular adaptations.
Ovitrelle injection for ovulation induction
When patient is deemed ready for ovulation based on follicle size, blood results and endometrium, she will be asked to inject Ovitrelle 250 micrograms to induce ovulation in a controlled and timed manner.
Locations (1)
UZ Brussel
Jette, Belgium