Follicular phase cycle programming using estradiol in oocyte donors-a convenient and effective approach

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Assisted Reproductive Technologies

Background:

• Oocyte donation is crucial for assisted reproduction.
• Cycle programming optimizes oocyte retrieval efficiency.
• Estradiol's role in follicular phase stimulation requires further investigation for donor cycles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of using estradiol solely in the follicular phase for cycle programming in oocyte donors.
• To compare outcomes between programmed cycles and historical unprogrammed cycles.

Main Methods:

• A prospective interventional study involving 93 oocyte donors.
• Donors received 8 mg of estradiol hemihydrate from day 2 until 1 day before stimulation.
• Comparison with previous unprogrammed cycles served as historical controls.

Main Results:

• The programmed group showed a higher average number of oocytes retrieved (36.4 vs. 32.5) and mature oocytes (30.1 vs. 26.3).
• Stimulation duration and total gonadotropin dose were similar between groups.
• Fertilization, blastulation, implantation, and pregnancy rates were not significantly different.

Conclusions:

• Follicular phase estradiol administration is an effective and convenient method for oocyte donor cycle programming.
• This approach yields comparable mature oocytes and does not negatively affect clinical outcomes.
• Further research with larger sample sizes could validate its use in routine in vitro fertilization cycles.