The routine use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists for all patients undergoing in vitro fertilization. Is there any medical advantage? A prospective randomized study.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if the routine use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH-a) for all patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) produces any significant medical advantage.

DESIGN

Prospective randomized study.

PATIENTS

Three hundred eight patients having their first ever IVF attempt.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomly divided into four groups and received either human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) alone for ovarian simulation (group A, n = 81); clomiphene citrate and hMG (group B, n = 77); a 3-day ultrashort course of GnRH-a and hMG (group C, n = 74); or pituitary desensitization with GnRH-a followed by hMG (group D, n = 76).

RESULTS

The indications for IVF and mean age of all four groups of patients were comparable. There was a significant difference in the number of embryos cleaved and transferred among the groups, but there were no significant differences in the cancellation rate, mean number of oocytes collected or fertilized, and number of cases of failed fertilization. There were also no significant differences in the pregnancy and live birth rates per cycle commenced or per embryo transfer.

CONCLUSION

The routine use of GnRH-a for all patients undergoing IVF has practical but no significant medical advantages.