This document discusses protocols for ovarian stimulation for assisted reproductive technology (ART). It begins by stating the aims of ovarian stimulation are to initiate, augment, or modulate the hormonal and gametogenic response of the ovary to overcome natural follicular selection and increase the number and quality of oocytes. It then discusses selecting the correct stimulation protocol based on a patient's age, FSH, AMH, AFC, and BMI. The document provides details on types of ovarian stimulation including natural cycle, mild, conventional, and protocols using GnRH agonists or antagonists. It compares long GnRH agonist versus antagonist protocols and discusses advantages and disadvantages of each. The document concludes that modifying conventional stimulation protocols based on a patient's characteristics
2. Aim Of Ovulation Induction
Pharmacological
agents initiate,
augment or
modulate the
hormonal &
gametogenic
response of the
ovary
Overcome natural
follicular selection
process to increase
the number and
quality of oocytes
available for
fertilization
Induction of follicular growth
Time IUI
and OR
4. Select the correct stimulation protocol
Most Individualized protocols based on following parameters of ORT
COS
Age FSH AMH AFC
Amended
further for BMI
Objective should be to
Optimize response and
outcomes
minimizing the risks
5. OI initiated on Day 2/3 only if
Follicular size is < 10 mm
Absence of ovarian cyst
Endometrial thickness < 6 mm
Pre-requisites for OI
OI drugs should be started on day 2-3 of the MC as
Selection of dominant follicle - early follicular phase
6. Types Of Ovarian Stimulation For ART
Methods Aim
Natural cycle
(unstimulated /
spontaneous)
No medication Single Oocyte
Modified natural
HCG only
FSH / HMG and GnRh
antagonist add backs
Single Oocyte
Mild or Minimal
Stimulation
Low dose FSH / HMG
Oral compounds
GnRH antagonist
2 – 7 Oocytes
Conventional
standard routine COS
GnRH agonist or
Antagonist
Conventional FSH / HMG
dose
> 8 Oocytes
7. Scott M. Nelson, Ph.DFertility and Sterility 2013
Protocol Choice based on AMH and AFC
8. Ovarian response depends on:
presence of other infertility factors
genetic: FSH and LH receptor polymorphism
past performance to COS
risk tolerance
FSH-sensitive follicle cohort
type of stimulation regimen used
type of GnRH analogs used
dose of GT
10. Fixed and Flexible start
multiple Dose
Single dose Protocol
GnRH Antagonist Protocols
Used in all group of patients
Should be used in all PCOS Women
14. Advantages of Long GnRH agonist Protocol :
Uniform cohort
More oocytes
Increased pregnancy rate
Suitable for normo responders
Disadvantages of Long GnRH agonist
Protocol :
Increased duration of COS
Increased cost
Increased stress – financial / emotional
Increased complication – OHSS
Advantages of Short GnRH agonist Protocol :
Utilizes the initial temporary flare effect for
follicular recruitment followed by pitutory
desensitization
More suitable for older patients and poor
responders
Reduces dose of injection and duration of
COS
Disadvantages of Short GnRH agonist
Protocol :
Unphysiological LH increased in early phase
Reduced pregnancy rates as compared to
long protocol
Advantages of GnRH antagonist Protocol:
Patient friendly – reduced injection and
shorter duration of stimulation
Minimal side effects
Reduce risk of complications – OHSS
Disadvantages of GnRH antagonist Protocol
Uniform cohort of follicles may not develop
Increase in dose of GT may be required one
antagonist initiated:
15. Ovulation Induction Protocols
Oral ovulogens+ GT
CC/Tamoxifen stimulates recruitment of number of small follicles &
GTs sustains the growth of recruited follicles
16. Conventional Step-up protocol
Supraphysiological doses of FSH provoke initial development of a large
cohort, stimulate additional follicles, and even rescue those follicles
destined to undergo atresia
17. Step -down protocol
Monofollicular development achieved
More physiological
Loading FSH dose (100 – 200 IU/d)
decreased by 37.5IU every 3-5 days
19. Chronic Low dose protocol
Treatment cycles long – 28 –35 Days,
Reduced Multiple folliculogenesis and OHSS
Dose increment to a maximum of 225 IU/day
Once dominant follicle emerges, dose of FSH maintained same until the
follicle reaches 18 mm
20. Step -down protocol
Risk of multi-folliculogenesis and OHSS reduced
FSH threshold dose decreased by 50% when leading follicle 14 mm
23. Modifying conventional stimulation protocols according to
patients’ characteristics and ovarian reserve makes it patient-
friendly and optimizes the chance of LBR
Take home Message -------