Semi-programmed ovarian stimulation as the first choice in in-vitro fertilization programmes

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Infertility Treatment
• Assisted Reproductive Technologies

Background:

• In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a key treatment for infertility.
• Optimizing ovarian stimulation protocols is crucial for IVF success.
• Evaluating novel stimulation protocols ensures efficient patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of a semi-programmed ovarian stimulation protocol as a first-line IVF treatment.
• To analyze key performance indicators including oocyte yield, fertilization, implantation, and pregnancy rates.
• To determine the safety profile, specifically the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

Main Methods:

• A semi-programmed ovarian stimulation protocol involving a low-dose contraceptive pill, clomiphene citrate, human menopausal gonadotrophin, and dexamethasone.
• Evaluation of 207 oocyte collection procedures from 168 patients undergoing their first-choice IVF treatment.
• Analysis of infertility factors, oocyte yield, cycle cancellation rates, embryo cleavage, transfer rates, and pregnancy outcomes.

Main Results:

• A mean of 5.87 oocytes collected per cycle, with a 5% cancellation rate.
• Clinical pregnancy rates per started cycle and per puncture were 22.4% and 23.6%, respectively.
• No cases of moderate or severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome were reported.

Conclusions:

• The evaluated semi-programmed ovarian stimulation protocol is a safe and effective first-choice method for IVF.
• This protocol yields acceptable pregnancy rates and a low incidence of OHSS.
• Further research can explore protocol variations for specific patient subgroups.