Luteal Phase Treatment and Monitoring
		For support of the luteal phase (i.e., the phase of the menstrual cycle after oocyte harvest and embryo transfer), the natural luteal phase hormone, progesterone, is administered. Starting on the day the oocyte is obtained, for example, two capsules of Utrogest™ may be inserted into the vagina three times a day. This treatment is continued through Day 14 after egg harvest. On Days 11 and 14 after egg harvest, levels of HCG, the pregnancy hormone, in the blood are measured. If a pregnancy develops, the first ultrasound examination is performed 21 days after egg harvest. By then, the amniotic sac within the uterus is 5 mm in diameter. By the time the second ultrasound examination is performed, at 30 days after egg harvest, a 5-mm embryo with a beating heart can be visualized.