The use of the GnRH analogue buserelin for IVF--does it improve fertility?

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of a short course of the GnRH analogue buserelin and human menopausal gonadotrophin (hMG), for ovarian stimulation in our IVF programme, on reproductive endocrinology and pregnancy rates compared with conventional clomiphene citrate and hMG treatment.

DESIGN

Prospective randomized allocation to one of two ovulation stimulation regimens.

SETTING

Fertility clinic.

SUBJECTS

373 infertile couples with various factors associated with their subfertility. All the women were less than 46 years of age and had normal menstrual cycles.

INTERVENTION

The first group (n = 151) was given clomiphene citrate (CC) from days 2-6 of the menstrual cycle and hMG from day 5 onwards (CC/hMG). The second group (n = 222) was given buserelin from days 1-3 and hMG from day 2 (buserelin/hMG).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Concentration of plasma luteinizing hormone (LH), oestradiol (E2) and progesterone, number of ovulatory follicles induced and the occurrence of pregnancy.

RESULTS

Plasma LH, E2 and progesterone concentrations were reduced in the late follicular phase after buserelin/hMG compared with CC/hMG. Buserelin/hMG promoted the development of more follicles than CC/hMG. The overall pregnancy rate after buserelin/hMG was not significantly different from that following CC/hMG treatment.

CONCLUSION

The chance of pregnancy is not improved by the short-term use of buserelin with hMG, provided adequate follicular phase management is maintained.