Randomized, prospective comparison of luteal leuprolide acetate and gonadotropins versus clomiphene citrate and gonadotropins in 408 first cycles of in vitro fertilization.

OBJECTIVE

To compare luteal phase leuprolide acetate (LA) initiated pituitary down regulation followed by human menopausal gonadotropins (hMG) versus clomiphene citrate (CC) and hMG for follicular recruitment and oocyte maturation before in vitro fertilization (IVF).

DESIGN

Randomized, prospective comparison in first cycles of IVF.

SETTING

University Hospital, a tertiary referral center offering assisted reproductive technologies.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants were couples undergoing their first ever cycle of IVF and consenting to participation in the trial.

RESULTS

Luteal phase initiated LA/hMG was associated with a lower probability of cycle cancellation, improved folliculogenesis, and a higher probability of embryo transfer (ET) compared with CC/hMG alone. Implantation rates were not different.

CONCLUSION

A higher rate of ET with LA/hMG suggests that gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist for the induction of folliculogenesis before IVF may be appropriate.