A prospective randomized comparison between long and discontinuous-long protocols of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist for in vitro fertilization

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of a discontinuous-long protocol in an IVF program. Design: Prospective randomized study. Setting: University hospital. Patient(s): One hundred thirty-seven IVF cycles of 92 patients in an outpatient IVF program from April 1995 to December 1995. Intervention(s): In the discontinuous-long protocol group (n = 68), GnRH agonist (GnRH-a) was administered from the luteal phase until cycle day 7, when pure FSH administration was begun. In the long protocol group (n = 69), GnRH-a was administered until the day before hCG administration. Main Outcome Measure(s): Serum LH and ovarian steroid hormone levels, and IVF outcome. Result(s): The period and the total dosage of hMG were increased in the discontinuous-long protocol group. Although the fertilization rate was similar under both protocols, the number of embryos transferred was smaller and the cancellation rate was higher in the discontinuous-long protocol group because of the greater failure of oocyte retrieval and fertilization. Serum E-2 levels in the late follicular phase were lower in the discontinuous-long protocol group. Conclusion(s): Early discontinuation of GnRH-a is not beneficial because of its adverse effects on follicular development. (C) 1997 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.