AuthorisedTherapeutic use (Phase IV)Interventional

Exogenous progesterone as ovulation trigger – a pilot study

This research is a pilot study, which means it's an early look into a new approach. It's investigating if giving a hormone called progesterone (specifically Cyclogest 400 mg ovules) can help eggs mature properly for women undergoing fertility treatment. Usually, other medicines are used to trigger egg maturation. This study aims to see how many good quality, mature eggs are collected after using progesterone. Researchers will also be checking hormone levels (like oestrogen, progesterone, LH, and FSH) at different times to understand the body's response. This could potentially offer an alternative and gentler way to prepare eggs for collection, which might be helpful for some women experiencing infertility.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Therapeutic use (Phase IV)

Sponsor

Instituto Valenciano De Infertilidade Clinica De Reproducao Assistida Lda.

Enrolment target

Start

22 May 2026

Infertility

What is this study about?

This study is looking into a new way to help women undergoing fertility treatment. When women have fertility treatment, medicines are often used to encourage their eggs to grow and mature. Once the eggs are ready, they need a final 'trigger' to become fully mature before they can be collected. This study is exploring if a natural hormone called progesterone can be used as this trigger, instead of the medicines usually given.

The main thing the researchers want to find out is how many mature eggs are collected after giving progesterone. They are specifically looking for 'MII' eggs, which are the type of eggs that are fully ready to be fertilised. They will also be closely monitoring various hormone levels in the blood, both shortly after the progesterone is given and again on the morning the eggs are collected. This helps them understand exactly what's happening in the body and how it responds to this new approach.

This is a 'pilot study', which means it's one of the first times this specific use of progesterone is being tested. If it shows promise, it could lead to bigger studies. The goal is to see if using progesterone could be a good alternative way to help eggs mature, potentially offering another option for women who are trying to conceive through fertility treatments due to infertility.

Key takeaways

This study explores using progesterone to help eggs mature for fertility treatment.
It aims to find out if this method leads to a good number of mature eggs.
Hormone levels will be closely monitored during participation.
This is an early-stage 'pilot study' to see if the idea works.
It could offer a new option for women undergoing fertility treatment.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for women who are at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit for taking part.

To be eligible, you must be a woman who is experiencing infertility. This means you and your partner are having difficulty getting pregnant.

More detailed checks will be done by the study team to make sure this study is right for you, and that you meet all the health requirements to take part safely.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a woman who is at least 18 years old?
Are you currently experiencing infertility?
Are you undergoing fertility treatment that involves egg collection?
Are you comfortable with receiving Cyclogest ovules as your egg maturation trigger?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would primarily be receiving Cyclogest 400 mg ovules as the 'trigger' medication to help your eggs mature. This is a change from what is usually given.

Your involvement would include visits to the clinic for assessments. These assessments will involve blood tests to check your hormone levels. These blood tests will happen at specific times: 12 hours after you receive the progesterone trigger, and again on the morning your eggs are due to be collected. There would also be the standard procedures for egg collection as part of your fertility treatment.

The total length of your participation would cover the period of your fertility cycle up until egg retrieval, including the specific timing of the progesterone trigger and the subsequent blood tests. This treatment takes the place of typical egg-maturation trigger medications. There are no additional long-term follow-up requirements after your egg collection beyond your usual fertility treatment plan.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might offer an alternative way to trigger egg maturation, which could potentially be beneficial if standard medications aren't suitable for you. However, as this is a pilot study, the benefits are not yet fully known. There might be risks associated with using progesterone in this way, or it might not work as effectively as current treatments. The study team will explain any potential side effects of Cyclogest. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your ongoing medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
Portugal

Common questions

What is progesterone?

Progesterone is a natural hormone in your body that plays a key role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. In this study, it's being tested as a way to help eggs fully mature.

What does 'ovulation trigger' mean?

An 'ovulation trigger' is a medicine or hormone given to encourage eggs to become fully mature and ready for collection (or release) as part of fertility treatment.

What are MII oocytes?

MII oocytes are mature eggs that are fully developed and ready to be fertilised. The study wants to see how many of these are collected after using progesterone.

Will I still get my regular fertility treatment?

This study focuses on a specific part of your fertility treatment – the 'trigger' medication. The rest of your treatment plan would likely be similar to standard procedures, but the study team will clarify this.

Is this a new medicine?

Cyclogest (progesterone) is a widely used medicine, but using it as an 'ovulation trigger' in this specific way is what's being tested in this pilot study.