Evidence that exclusive use of Follistim may produce better pregnancy results than the use of Gonal-F following in vitro fertilization (IVF) - embryo transfer (ET)

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate whether the equal mixture of human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) to recombinant (r) follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) adversely affects outcome following in vitro fertilization (IVF). Furthermore, to determine if the specific rFSH preparation used has any differing effects on outcome.

Methods: Retrospective study of women using the luteal phase leuprolide acetate-gonadotropin COH regimen. Outcome measures included clinical and viable pregnancy rates (PRs) and implantation rates.

Results: The clinical and viable PRs and implantation rates were significantly lower in the group receiving exclusively Gonal-F. Addition of hMG to the treatment protocol not only did not lower the PRs further, but in fact seemed to obviate the adverse effect of Gonal-F.

Conclusion: Since exclusive use of Gonal-F did not adversely affect fertilization rates or quality of embryos we suspect its exclusive use in some way makes the uterine environment less receptive.