Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
08:46
Fertility Preservation Through Oocyte Vitrification: Clinical and Laboratory Perspectives
Published on: September 16, 2021
Mild ovarian stimulation
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center, The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Camden, NJ, USA. laurie@ccivf.com
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
|December 7, 2007
Summary
Mild ovarian stimulation protocols show promising results for in vitro fertilization, achieving good pregnancy and implantation rates. These approaches are effective even for women with diminished ovarian reserve, offering a safer and more cost-effective alternative.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- In Vitro Fertilization
- Ovarian Stimulation Protocols
Background:
- High-dose follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) regimens are commonly used in in vitro fertilization (IVF).
- Concerns exist regarding the safety, cost, and efficacy of aggressive stimulation in women with diminished ovarian reserve.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of mild ovarian stimulation protocols in IVF.
- To assess outcomes in both normal and decreased ovarian reserve populations.
Main Methods:
- Three mild stimulation protocols were assessed: natural cycle, natural cycle with FSH boost, and minimal stimulation (75-150 IU FSH).
- Ethinyl estradiol was used adjunctively to manage high baseline FSH levels.
Main Results:
- Good pregnancy and implantation rates were achieved with mild stimulation.
- Positive outcomes were observed even in women with elevated FSH who produced only one follicle.
Conclusions:
- Mild ovarian stimulation is a potentially preferable alternative to high-dose FSH regimens for women with elevated day 3 serum FSH.
- Comparable pregnancy rates to high-dose protocols were achieved in women with normal ovarian reserve, with reduced risk and cost.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
01:27Ovarian Cycle
The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle length...
01:22Oogenesis
Oogenesis, the process of developing egg cells (female gametes), occurs within the ovaries and is fundamental to female fertility. This sequence begins during fetal development when diploid oogonia in the developing ovaries undergo mitotic divisions to produce primary oocytes. By birth, these primary oocytes enter prophase I of meiosis but become arrested in this stage, remaining suspended until puberty.
Each primary oocyte is surrounded by a layer of pre-granulosa cells, forming what is known...
Each primary oocyte is surrounded by a layer of pre-granulosa cells, forming what is known...
02:07Oogenesis
In human women, oogenesis produces one mature egg cell or ovum for every precursor cell that enters meiosis. This process differs in two unique ways from the equivalent procedure of spermatogenesis in males. First, meiotic divisions during oogenesis are asymmetric, meaning that a large oocyte (containing most of the cytoplasm) and minor polar body are produced as a result of meiosis I, and again following meiosis II. Since only oocytes will go on to form embryos if fertilized, this unequal...