The Evaluation of a New 7-Day Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist Protocol in the Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation for in vitro Fertilization

Objective: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) was used in the controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) for the in vitro fertilization program. However, the traditional long protocol demanded more human menopause gonadotropin (hMG) and sometimes causes unnecessary delay in the procedure. A new 7- day GnRHa/hMG protocol required to conserve cost and time is thus evaluated for better outcome. Methods: Sixty consecutive IVF candidates less than 40 years of age were recruited for the study. Cases with severe male factor or polycystic ovarian disease were excluded. The perspective candidates were divided into two groups, one received the traditional, GnRHa/hMG protocol and the other received the new 7-day regimen. Results: When comparing the results in pregnancy rate (33.3% vs 30%), cleavage rate (75.7% vs 75.5%), and the number of oocyte obtained (5.96 ± 0.91 vs 6.63 ± 0.90), the 7-day GnRHa/hMG protocol is as good as those of the traditional regimen. The amount of hMG used nevertheless was significantly less (21.48 ± 0.78 vs 50.59 ± 2.07). Conclusion: The new regimen will surely reduce the cost to relieve patient's financial burden and to increase patient's comfort.