Clinical experience with an ovarian stimulation protocol for intrauterine insemination adopting a gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonist at low dose

Abstract

Studies testing the effectiveness of GnRH antagonists in controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for intrauterine insemination (IUI) have provided controversial results. The present study was undertaken to evaluate, whether the use of a half of the conventional dose of the GnRH antagonist cetrorelix can be effective in increasing the successful rate of IUI cycles. Patients started COS with human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) on day three of the menstrual cycle. Cetrorelix was started when at least one follicle of ≥14 mm, was detected at the ultrasound scan, according to the flexible multiple daily dose protocol, and continued until the trigger day with recombinant hCG. Patients adopting GnRH antagonist at low dose had a pregnancy rate (21.7%) that was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in comparison to women receiving hMG only (8.7%). These results suggest that adding a reduced dose of GnRH antagonist to the COS for IUI cycles significantly improves the outcome of the procedure.

Pituitary block with gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone antagonist during intrauterine insemination cycles: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials

“…In all #bib23 studies were assessed for eligibility. Eight studies were subsequently excluded after the examination of full‐text: two studies were not RCT . Ragni et al aimed to evaluate the luteal phase profile in women undergoing IUI‐stimulated cycles with/without GnRH‐ant.…”

“…Eight studies were subsequently excluded after the examination of full-text: two studies were not RCT. 16,17 Ragni et al 13 aimed to evaluate the luteal phase profile in women undergoing IUI-stimulated cycles with/without GnRH-ant. Two studies evaluated the effectiveness of different stimulation protocols in women receiving gonadotrophins plus GnRH-ant before IUI.…”