Albert Irkaliev: Have We Underestimated the Corpus Luteum in Frozen Embryo Transfer?
Albert Irkaliev, Reproductologist at SILK Medical, shared on LinkedIn:
“Have we underestimated the corpus luteum in frozen embryo transfer?
In reproductive medicine, we often focus on one primary objective: creating a receptive endometrium and achieving implantation.
But two FET protocols can achieve the same goal while creating very different physiological environments.
In an ovulation-preserving FET, the corpus luteum remains present – producing not only progesterone and estradiol, but also relaxin and other vasoactive and angiogenic signals involved in early maternal cardiovascular adaptation.
In a programmed FET, we can replace estrogen and progesterone pharmacologically – but we do not necessarily replace the corpus luteum.
Why does this matter?
Recent randomized evidence suggests that while healthy live-birth rates may be similar, maternal and obstetric outcomes may not be identical.
This raises a broader question:
Should IVF success be defined only by implantation and live birth – or should we also consider the physiology and safety of the pregnancy we help create?
In the attached article, I review the emerging evidence and discuss why FET preparation may need to move from an implantation-centred to a pregnancy-centred approach.”
Stay informed with the latest updates in fertility and reproductive medicine on Fertility News.
-
Nov 2, 2026, 17:08Elena Milner: The 2nd Class of the School of Embryology Is Already in Full Swing
-
Nov 2, 2026, 17:05November Is National Diabetes Month – PCOS Awareness Association
-
Nov 2, 2026, 17:04Thanos Papathanasiou: Are We Preparing Patients for the IVF Cycle, or for the IVF Journey?
-
Nov 2, 2026, 17:02Anna Morales: Why Is It So Hard to Build in Women’s Health?
-
Nov 2, 2026, 16:59Rickard Ericsson: Honored to Take on the Role of Interim CEO of the Vitrolife Group
-
Nov 2, 2026, 16:56Mohammed Nasur: 1 Small Simulation, A Bigger Purpose
-
Nov 2, 2026, 16:54Carlos Guerrero: Presenting Our Latest Research on AI and Embryo Assessment at ASRM 2026
-
Nov 2, 2026, 16:52Sarah Lewen: My 1st ASRM Is Officially Complete
-
Nov 2, 2026, 16:49Jemma Garratt: Taking on the Role of Kind IVF and Data Science Manager at London Women’s Clinic