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Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology
Published in: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology 1/2012

Open Access 01-12-2012 | Review

GnRH agonist versus GnRH antagonist in in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF/ET)

Authors: Raffaella Depalo, K Jayakrishan, Gabriella Garruti, Ilaria Totaro, Mariantonietta Panzarino, Francesco Giorgino, Luigi E Selvaggi

Published in: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology | Issue 1/2012

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Abstract

Several protocols are actually available for in Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer. The review summarizes the main differences and the clinic characteristics of the protocols in use with GnRH agonists and GnRH antagonists by emphasizing the major outcomes and hormonal changes associated with each protocol. The majority of randomized clinical trials clearly shows that in “in Vitro” Fertilization and Embryo Transfer, the combination of exogenous Gonadotropin plus a Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) agonist, which is able to suppress pituitary FSH and LH secretion, is associated with increased pregnancy rate as compared with the use of gonadotropins without a GnRH agonist. Protocols with GnRH antagonists are effective in preventing a premature rise of LH and induce a shorter and more cost-effective ovarian stimulation compared to the long agonist protocol. However, a different synchronization of follicular recruitment and growth occurs with GnRH agonists than with GnRH antagonists. Future developments have to be focused on timing of the administration of GnRH antagonists, by giving a great attention to new strategies of stimulation in patients in which radio-chemotherapy cycles are needed.
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Metadata
Title
GnRH agonist versus GnRH antagonist in in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF/ET)
Authors
Raffaella Depalo
K Jayakrishan
Gabriella Garruti
Ilaria Totaro
Mariantonietta Panzarino
Francesco Giorgino
Luigi E Selvaggi
Publication date
01-12-2012
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology / Issue 1/2012
Electronic ISSN: 1477-7827
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7827-10-26

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