Changes in long luteal protocol affects the number of days of stimulation: evolution of an assisted reproductive technology practice.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if the types of drugs used in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation influence the number of days of stimulation.

STUDY

DESIGN

This retrospective study of couples presenting at an assisted reproductive technology (ART) facility January 1997 through December 2007 included patients who were < 40 years of age, had a body mass index (BMI) of 20-35, used fresh sperm or oocytes, had > or = 3 embryos available on day 3, never had previous ART, and did not use a gestational carrier. Data analysis was limited to patients treated with long luteal stimulation. Data were separated into two groups: patients stimulated with urinary drugs and those stimulated with recombinant drugs.

RESULTS

The groups were not different in age and day 3 follicle-stimulating hormone values, but were different in BMI, diagnoses, and fertilization methods. There were a significantly greater number of days of stimulation, total number of follicles produced, and peak estradiol level in the recombinant group. The recombinant group had less drug given per day, less endometrial thickness, and fewer embryos transferred.

CONCLUSION

A change in our long luteal stimulation protocol appears to have lengthened the days of stimulation for our patients without altering pregnancy rate.