Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate and compare the use of OCP with GnRHa for hypothalamic-pituitary suppression in poor responder IVF patients.
Methods: Retrospective analysis of IVF-ET cycles of poor responders. Hypothalamic-pituitary suppression with OCP (Group I, n = 29) or GnRHa (Group II, n = 52), followed by stimulation with gonadotropin, oocyte retrieval, and embryo transfer. Baseline characteristics and cycle outcomes were compared.
Results: 73 women underwent 81 cycles from 1/1/1999 to 1/1/2000. Baseline characteristics were similar. 31/81 (38%) cycles were cancelled (Group I, 14/29 (48%) vs. Group II, 17/52 (33%), NS). Cycle outcomes including amount of gonadotropin, number of eggs retrieved, number of embryos transferred, and embryo quality were similar. Patients in Group I required fewer days of stimulation to reach oocyte retrieval. Pregnancy outcomes were similar in the two groups.
Conclusion: Our retrospective analysis revealed no improvement in IVF cycle outcomes in poor responders who received OCPs to achieve hypothalamic-pituitary suppression instead of GnRHa.
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Kovacs, P., Barg, P.E. & Witt, B.R. Clinical Assisted Reproduction: Hypothalamic-Pituitary Suppression with Oral Contraceptive Pills Does Not Improve Outcome in Poor Responder Patients Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer Cycles. J Assist Reprod Genet 18, 391–394 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1016626607387
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1016626607387