Comparison of Different Stimulation Protocols Used in in Vitro Fertilization: a Review

Overview

Journal Ann Transl Med

Publisher AME Publishing Company

Date 2015 Jul 25

PMID 26207230

Citations 36

Authors

Deekshya Shrestha

Xiaolin La

Huai L Feng

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Infertility is one of the major medical problems in the western world caused by genetic or epigenetic factors, or both, which has led to continuous research and advancements in the field of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Many stimulation protocols are available for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) in in vitro fertilization (IVF). This review compares the agonist long protocol, antagonist protocol and minimal stimulation protocol. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist and minimal stimulation protocol has shorter duration of treatment and less gonadotropin use. GnRH agonist long protocol is better in folliculogenesis and pregnancy rate, which is the imperative goal of COH. Despite its costly and lengthy approach, GnRH agonist long protocol has delivered satisfactory results in most women. On the other hand, patients with poor ovarian reserve may have greater advantage when considering minimal stimulation protocol. Evidently, it is crucial to have a larger scale studies with more focused comparisons, which take into account the differences in patients' response criteria and additional confounding variables (age, BMI, previous IVF outcomes etc.), in order to reach to a more definite conclusions.

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