Extension of GnRH agonist through the luteal phase to improve the outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effect of continuous administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) during the luteal phase in an intracytoplasmic sperm injection program.

Study design: One hundred eighty-one women underwent a down-regulation protocol of GnRHa administered from the 21st day of the preceding cycle. Patients were randomized at initiation of stimulation by a computer-generated list. Group 1 patients (n = 90) were continuously administered GnRHa for 12 days after embryo transfer, while in group 2 patients GnRHa was stopped on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin administration.

Results: Demographic parameters, infertility etiologies, number of gonadotropin ampules used, number of mature oocytes recovered, rates of testicular sperm usage, number of embryos transferred, and cycle and transfer cancellation rates were similar in both groups. Clinical pregnancy rates, implantation rates and live birth rates did not show a significant difference.

Conclusion: Extending GnRHa treatment through the luteal phase appeared not to have a significant impact on pregnancy or implantation rates in intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles.