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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
08:46
Fertility Preservation Through Oocyte Vitrification: Clinical and Laboratory Perspectives
Published on: September 16, 2021
Ovarian stimulation: from basic science to clinical application
Michael Ludwig1, Ricardo E Felberbaum, Klaus Diedrich
1Division of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecologic Endocrinology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Clinic, Lübeck, Germany. Ludwig_M@t-online.de
Reproductive Biomedicine Online
|May 18, 2011
Summary
Hormonal treatments for infertility have evolved significantly over the past century, from early non-human gonadotrophins to advanced recombinant versions and GnRH analogues, improving ovarian stimulation efficacy and administration.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive endocrinology
- Infertility treatment
- Medical history
Background:
- Infertility treatments, including ovarian stimulation, have a century-long history.
- Early treatments faced challenges like antibody formation (PMSG) and disease transmission risks (HPG).
- Concerns about unknown urinary proteins and batch inconsistency affected early human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) preparations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a historical overview of the evolution of gonadotrophin treatments for infertility.
- To highlight key advancements in ovarian stimulation protocols.
- To discuss the development and impact of new gonadotrophin formulations and GnRH analogues/antagonists.
Main Methods:
- Historical review of infertility treatment literature.
- Analysis of the development of hormonal stimulation agents.
- Examination of advancements in gonadotrophin production and delivery.
Main Results:
- Early gonadotrophins (PMSG, HPG) had limitations, necessitating safer and more effective alternatives.
- Human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) improved upon earlier treatments but faced consistency issues.
- Recombinant gonadotrophins and GnRH analogues/antagonists represent significant progress in efficacy and administration.
Conclusions:
- The development of gonadotrophins has progressed from animal-derived to recombinant human sources.
- GnRH analogues and antagonists have further refined ovarian stimulation protocols.
- Continuous innovation has led to safer, more consistent, and effective infertility treatments.
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