Benefits of the short-term utilization of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist (Buserelin, Hoechst, AG, Frankfurt am Mein, FRG) for induction of ovulation in an in vitro fertilization program (IVF) program were assessed. Eighteen patients underwent consecutively an induction of ovulation by clomiphene citrate (CC) and human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG), then by hMG alone, and finally by Buserelin and hMG. The switchover from CC and hMG to hMG alone significantly increased the number of aspirated follicles and the oocyte recovery rate. The addition of Buserelin prevented the outcome of spontaneous luteinizing hormone (LH) surges. It reduced the preovulatory luteinization and increased the number of recovered oocytes as well as the number of embryos available for transfer. A 33% clinical pregnancy rate per ovum pick-up was achieved with the Buserelin-hMG treatment.