No detrimental effects in delaying initiation of gonadotropin administration after pituitary desensitization with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if delaying initiation of exogenous gonadotropin administration after pituitary desensitization with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) is a realistic option to avoid scheduling clinical and laboratory work on weekends/holidays.

DESIGN, PATIENTS: A review of 57 in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles in which, after pituitary desensitization with GnRH-a, initiation of gonadotropin administration were delayed in an attempt to avoid off-hour work. Thirty-eight IVF cohort cycles served as control.

SETTING

Tertiary medical center.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in ovarian response, dose of gonadotropin required, oocytes and embryos obtained, pregnancy rates, and abortion rates between groups. Eighty-three percent of the delayed cycles had clinical and laboratory work that fell within weekdays.

CONCLUSION

Delaying initiation of exogenous gonadotropin administration after pituitary desensitization had no detrimental effects on IVF outcomes. It may be used to avoid scheduling work on weekends/holidays.