Effect of Ovarian Stimulation Protocols on Oocyte and Embryo Quality

A review of oocyte and embryo quality suggested that the usual parameters of pregnancy are not sensitive enough to determine differences possibly caused by ovarian stimulation. The dual methodology of time to syngamy and appropriate on time embryo development was investigated to determine whether they would be useful methodology for oocyte and embryo quality. We could determine no differences between pituitary suppression, follicular stimulation, and follicular maturation with “standard” stimulation protocols for “normal” responders. Differences were found with “out of protocol” stimulations and possibly among adjuvants used. We contend that the syngamy early development model should be used with more conventional outcomes to help determine any benefits of new protocols.