Case report: A 31-year-old nulligravid woman seeking fertility treatment with in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection failed to achieve pregnancy. Supernumerary embryos were cryopreserved for future use. In preparation for the transfer of the frozen embryos, the patient was prescribed hormones, which included pituitary down-regulation with leuprolide acetate, followed by oral micronized estradiol (E2) and vaginal progesterone (P4) suppositories. At the time of embryo transfer (ET) it was noted that the patient had misunderstood her instructions and was administering both her estrogen and progesterone vaginally. Ultrasound examination revealed a well-developed endometrium adequate for ET so the procedure was performed, and at that point she was instructed to use E2 orally as originally prescribed. Two weeks later, her beta-hCG was elevated, and subsequent ultrasound examinations revealed a twin gestation. The pregnancy progressed normally.
Conclusion: This patient's hormones were adequately replaced despite vaginal placement of oral medication. Although not commonly prescribed, oral E2 tablets may be administered vaginally in functionally agonadal women preparing for ET, and may serve as an alternative route for women who experience difficulties with oral formulations.