Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Meta-Analysis
. 2017 May 25;5(5):CD006109.
doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD006109.pub3.

Oral contraceptive pill, progestogen or oestrogen pretreatment for ovarian stimulation protocols for women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques

Cindy Farquhar  1 , Luk Rombauts  2 , Jan Am Kremer  3 , Anne Lethaby  1 , Reuben Olugbenga Ayeleke  1
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Oral contraceptive pill, progestogen or oestrogen pretreatment for ovarian stimulation protocols for women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques

Cindy Farquhar et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. .

Abstract

Background: Among subfertile women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART), hormone pills given before ovarian stimulation may improve outcomes.

Objectives: To determine whether pretreatment with the combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) or with a progestogen or oestrogen alone in ovarian stimulation protocols affects outcomes in subfertile couples undergoing ART.

Search methods: We searched the following databases from inception to January 2017: Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Specialised Register, The Cochrane Central Register Studies Online, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO. We also searched the reference lists of relevant articles and registers of ongoing trials.

Selection criteria: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of hormonal pretreatment in women undergoing ART.

Data collection and analysis: We used standard methodological procedures recommended by Cochrane. The primary review outcomes were live birth or ongoing pregnancy and pregnancy loss.

Main results: We included 29 RCTs (4701 women) of pretreatment with COCPs, progestogens or oestrogens versus no pretreatment or alternative pretreatments, in gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist or antagonist cycles. Overall, evidence quality ranged from very low to moderate. The main limitations were risk of bias and imprecision. Most studies did not describe their methods in adequate detail. Combined oral contraceptive pill versus no pretreatmentWith antagonist cycles in both groups the rate of live birth or ongoing pregnancy was lower in the pretreatment group (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.95; 6 RCTs; 1335 women; I2 = 0%; moderate quality evidence). There was insufficient evidence to determine whether the groups differed in rates of pregnancy loss (OR 1.36, 95% CI 0.82 to 2.26; 5 RCTs; 868 women; I2 = 0%; moderate quality evidence), multiple pregnancy (OR 2.21, 95% CI 0.53 to 9.26; 2 RCTs; 125 women; I2 = 0%; low quality evidence), ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS; OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.28 to 3.40; 2 RCTs; 642 women; I2 = 0%, low quality evidence), or ovarian cyst formation (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.08 to 2.75; 1 RCT; 64 women; very low quality evidence).In COCP plus antagonist cycles versus no pretreatment in agonist cycles, there was insufficient evidence to determine whether the groups differed in rates of live birth or ongoing pregnancy (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.64 to 1.25; 4 RCTs; 724 women; I2 = 0%; moderate quality evidence), multiple pregnancy (OR 1.36, 95% CI 0.85 to 2.19; 4 RCTs; 546 women; I2 = 0%; moderate quality evidence), or OHSS (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.20 to 1.96; 2 RCTs; 290 women, I2 = 0%), but there were fewer pregnancy losses in the pretreatment group (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.72; 5 RCTs; 780 women; I2 = 0%; moderate quality evidence). There were no data suitable for analysis on ovarian cyst formation.One small study comparing COCP versus no pretreatment in agonist cycles showed no clear difference between the groups for any of the reported outcomes. Progestogen versus no pretreatmentAll studies used the same protocol (antagonist, agonist or gonadotrophins) in both groups. There was insufficient evidence to determine any differences in rates of live birth or ongoing pregnancy (agonist: OR 1.35, 95% CI 0.69 to 2.65; 2 RCTs; 222 women; I2 = 24%; low quality evidence; antagonist: OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.18 to 2.54; 1 RCT; 47 women; low quality evidence; gonadotrophins: OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.09 to 4.23; 1 RCT; 42 women; very low quality evidence), pregnancy loss (agonist: OR 2.26, 95% CI 0.67 to 7.55; 2 RCTs; 222 women; I2 = 0%; low quality evidence; antagonist: OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.06 to 2.09; 1 RCT; 47 women; low quality evidence; gonadotrophins: OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.06 to 17.12; 1 RCT; 42 women; very low quality evidence) or multiple pregnancy (agonist: no data available; antagonist: OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.06 to 17.76; 1 RCT; 47 women; low quality evidence; gonadotrophins: no data available). Three studies, all using agonist cycles, reported ovarian cyst formation: rates were lower in the pretreatment group (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.32; 374 women; I2 = 1%; moderate quality evidence). There were no data on OHSS. Oestrogen versus no pretreatmentIn antagonist or agonist cycles, there was insufficient evidence to determine whether the groups differed in rates of live birth or ongoing pregnancy (antagonist versus antagonist: OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.17; 2 RCTs; 502 women; I2 = 0%; low quality evidence; antagonist versus agonist: OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.51 to 1.50; 2 RCTs; 242 women; I2 = 0%; very low quality evidence), pregnancy loss (antagonist versus antagonist: OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.02 to 1.47; 1 RCT; 49 women; very low quality evidence; antagonist versus agonist: OR 1.59, 95% CI 0.62 to 4.06; 1 RCT; 220 women; very low quality evidence), multiple pregnancy (antagonist versus antagonist: no data available; antagonist versus agonist: OR 2.24, 95% CI 0.09 to 53.59; 1 RCT; 22 women; very low quality evidence) or OHSS (antagonist versus antagonist: no data available; antagonist versus agonist: OR 1.54, 95% CI 0.25 to 9.42; 1 RCT; 220 women). Ovarian cyst formation was not reported. Head-to-head comparisonsCOCP was compared with progestogen (1 RCT, 44 women), and with oestrogen (2 RCTs, 146 women), and progestogen was compared with oestrogen (1 RCT, 48 women), with an antagonist cycle in both groups. COCP in an agonist cycle was compared with oestrogen in an antagonist cycle (1 RCT, 25 women). Data were scant but there was no clear evidence that any of the groups differed in rates of live birth or ongoing pregnancy, pregnancy loss or other adverse events.

Authors' conclusions: Among women undergoing ovarian stimulation in antagonist protocols, COCP pretreatment was associated with a lower rate of live birth or ongoing pregnancy than no pretreatment. There was insufficient evidence to determine whether rates of live birth or ongoing pregnancy were influenced by pretreatment with progestogens or oestrogens, or by COCP pretreatment using other stimulation protocols. Findings on adverse events were inconclusive, except that progesterone pretreatment may reduce the risk of ovarian cysts in agonist cycles, and COCP in antagonist cycles may reduce the risk of pregnancy loss compared with no pretreatment in agonist cycles.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

LR was the first author of a randomized trial about oral contraceptive pretreatment (Rombauts 2006). This study was sponsored by Organon/Schering Plough. He was not involved in selection of that study or in extraction and interpretation of data from it. He is a minority shareholder in an IVF unit that has received research grants from MSD, Merck‐Serono and Ferring. He has received educational grants from MSD, Merck‐Serono and Ferring and provided consultancy services and board membership to Ferring Australia.

ROA, AL, CF and JK have no interests to declare.

Figures

1
1
Methodological quality graph: review authors' judgements about each methodological quality item presented as percentages across all included studies.
2
2
Methodological quality summary: review authors' judgements about each methodological quality item for each included study.
3
3
Study PRISMA flow chart
4
4
Forest plot of comparison: 1 Combined oral contraceptive pill (OCP) versus no pretreatment (Rx), outcome: 1.1 Live birth or ongoing pregnancy.
5
5
Forest plot of comparison: 1 Combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) versus no pretreatment (Rx), outcome: 1.2 Pregnancy loss.
6
6
Forest plot of comparison: 3 Oestrogen versus no pretreatment (Rx), outcome: 3.1 Live birth or ongoing pregnancy.
7
7
Forest plot of comparison: 3 Oestrogen versus no pretreatment (Rx), outcome: 3.2 Pregnancy loss.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Update of

References

References to studies included in this review

Aston 1995 {published data only}
    1. Aston K, Arthur I, Masson GM, Jenkins JM. Progestogen therapy and prevention of functional ovarian cysts during pituitary desensitisation with GnRH agonists. British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 1995;102:835‐7. - PubMed
Biljan 1998b {published data only}
    1. Biljan MM, Mahutte NG, Dean N, Hemmings R, Bissonnette F. Prospective randomized trial on effect of pre‐treatment with an oral contraceptive (OC) on the length of time required for pituitary suppression by gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRH‐a) and subsequent implantation and pregnancy rates. Fertility and Sterility 1998; Vol. Suppl 1, 70, issue 3:S133. - PubMed
    1. Biljan MM, Mahutte NG, Dean N, Hemmings R, Bissonnette F, Tan SL. Effects of pretreatment with an oral contraceptive on the time required to achieve pituitary suppression with gonadotropin‐releasing hormone analogues and on subsequent implantation and pregnancy rates. Fertility and Sterility 1998;70(6):1063‐9. - PubMed
Blockeel 2012 {published data only}
    1. Blockeel C, Engels S, Vos M, Haentjens P, Polyzos NP, Stoop D, et al. Oestradiol valerate pretreatment in GnRH antagonist cycles: a randomised controlled trial. Reproductive Biomedicine Online 2012;24:272‐80. - PubMed
Cédrin‐Durnerin 2007 {published data only}
    1. Cédrin‐Durnerin I, Bständig B, Parneix I, Bied‐Damon V, Avril C, Decanter C, et al. Effects of oral contraceptive, synthetic progestogen or natural estrogen pre‐treatments on the hormonal profile and the antral follicle cohort before GnRH antagonist protocol. Human Reproduction 2007;22(1):109‐16. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/de1340] - DOI - PubMed
    1. Hugues JN, Cédrin‐Durnerin I, Bständig B, Parneix I, Bied‐Damon V, Avril C, et al. Consequences of different steroid pre‐treatments on the hormonal profile and on the antral follicular count prior to an IVF antagonist protocol. 21st Annual Meeting of the ESHRE; 2005 Jun 19‐22; Copenhagen, Denmark. 2005.
Cédrin‐Durnerin 2012 {published data only}
    1. Cédrin‐Durnerin I, Guivarc'h‐Leveque A, Hugues J‐N. Pretreatment with estrogen does not affect IVF‐ICSI cycle outcome compared with no pretreatment in GnRH antagonist protocol: a prospective randomised trial. Fertility and Sterility 2012;97(6):1359‐64. - PubMed
Daly 2002 {published data only}
    1. Daly DC, Daly CL, Mayo D, Jacobs A. Oocyte recruitment in IVF patients with limited ovarian reserve (LOR), maximizing quality of oocytes and embryos. Fertility and Sterility 2002; Vol. Suppl 1, 78, issue 3:S148‐9.
Ditkoff 1996 {published data only}
    1. Ditkoff EC, Sauer MV. A combination of norethindrone acetate and leuprolide acetate blocks the gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone agonistic response and minimizes cyst formation during ovarian stimulation. Human Reproduction 1996;11(5):1035‐7. - PubMed
Engmann 1999 {published data only}
    1. Engmann L, Maconochie N, Bekir J, Tan SL. A prospective randomized study to assess the effect of progestogen therapy during pituitary desensitization with GnRH agonist in the prevention of functional ovarian cyst formation. Abstracts from ASRM/CFAS Conjoint Annual Meeting. Toronto, Canada, 1999. Fertility and Sterility 1999;72(3, Suppl 1):S10‐1.
    1. Engmann L, Maconochie N, Bekir J, Tan SL. Progestogen therapy during pituitary desensitization with gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist prevents functional ovarian cyst formation: a prospective, randomized study. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 1999;181(3):576‐82. - PubMed
    1. Engmann L, Maconochie N, Tan SL, Bekir J. Progestogen therapy during pituitary desensitization with GnRH agonist prevents functional ovarian cyst formation ‐ a prospective randomized study. Human Fertility. 1999; Vol. 2:190‐1. - PubMed
Fanchin 2003 {published data only}
    1. Fanchin R, Salomon L, Castelo‐Branco A, Olivennes F, Frydman N, Frydman R. Luteal estradiol administration coordinates FSH‐induced follicular growth and improves the outcome of GnRH antagonist COH protocols. 19th Annual meeting of the ESHRE; 2003 Jun 29‐Jul 2; Madrid, Spain, 2003. 2003.
    1. Fanchin R, Salomon L, Castelo‐Branco A, Olivennes F, Frydman N, Frydman R. Luteal estradiol pre‐treatment coordinates follicular growth during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with GnRH antagonists. Human Reproduction 2003;18(12):2698‐703. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deg516] - DOI - PubMed
Franco Jr 2003 {published data only}
    1. Franco JG Jr, Baruffi RLR, Petersen CG, Mauri AL, Felipe V, Contart P. Comparison of ovarian stimulation with recombinant FSH after 2nd phase protocols with GnRH analogs (I ‐ estradiol + Ganirelix versus II ‐ Nafarelin) [Comparação da estimulação ovariana com FSH recombinante após protocolo de 2a fase com análogos do GnRH (I ‐ estradiol + Ganirelix versus II ‐ Nafarelin)]. Jornal Brasileiro de Reproducao Assistida 2003;7(1):26‐32.
Garcia‐Velasco 2011 {published data only}
    1. Garcia‐Velasco JA, Bermejo A, Ruiz F, Martinez‐Salazar J, Requena A, Pellicer A. Cycle scheduling with oral contraceptive pills in the GnRH antagonist protocol vs the long protocol: a randomized, controlled trial. Fertility and Sterility 2011;96(3):590‐3. - PubMed
    1. Garcia‐Velasco JA, Bermejo A, Ruiz‐Flores F, Martinez‐Salazar J, Requena A, Pellicer A. Cycle scheduling with oral contraceptive pills in GnRH antagonist protocol vs long protocol: a randomized, controlled trial. Fertility and Sterility 2010;94 Suppl 1(4):S28 Abstract no. O‐93. - PubMed
Hauzman 2013 {published data only}
    1. Hauzman EE, Zapata A, Bermejo A, Iglesias C, Pellicer A, Garcia‐Velasco J. Cycle scheduling for in vitro fertilisation with oral contraceptive pills versus oral estradiol valerate: a randomised controlled trial. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology 2013;11:96. - PMC - PubMed
Hugues 1994 {published data only}
    1. Hugues JN, Cédrin‐Durnerin I, Hervé F, Huet‐Pecqueux L, Santarelli J. Incidence of preprogrammed norethisterone on the intensity of 'flare up' (flush) caused by GnRH agonist according to the IVF protocol [poster] [Incidence d'une préprogrammation par la noréthistérone sur la qualité du flare‐up induit par un agoniste du GnRH en protocole court de FIV]. Contraception, Fertilite, Sexualite 1994; Vol. 22, issue 5:331.
Huirne 2006a {published data only}
    1. Huirne JAF, Loenen ACD, Donnez J, Pirard C, Homburg R, Schats R, et al. Effect of an oral contraceptive pill on follicular development in IVF/ICSI patients receiving a GnRH antagonist: a randomized study. Reproductive Biomedicine Online 2006;13(2):235‐45. - PubMed
    1. Loenen ACD, Huirne JAF, Schats R, Donnez J, Lambalk CB. An open‐label multicentre, randomized, parallel, controlled phase II study to assess the feasibility of a new programming regimen using an oral contraceptive prior to the administration of recombinant FSH and a GnRH‐antagonist in patients undergoing ART (IVF‐ICSI) treatment. Human Reproduction. 2002; Vol. 17 Abstract Book 1:144‐5.
Huirne 2006c {published data only}
    1. Huirne JA, Hugues JN, Pirard C, Fischl F, Sage JC, Pouly JL, et al. Cetrorelix in an oral contraceptive‐pretreated stimulation cycle compared with buserelin in IVF/ICSI patients treated with r‐hFSH: a randomized, multicentre, phase IIIb study. Human Reproduction 2006;21(6):1408‐15. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/de1030] - DOI - PubMed
Hwang 2004 {published data only}
    1. Hwang JL, Seow KM, Lin YH, Huang LW, Hsieh BC, Tsai YL, et al. Ovarian stimulation by concomitant administration of cetrorelix acetate and HMG following Diane‐35 pre‐treatment for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a prospective randomized study. Human Reproduction 2004;19(9):1993‐2000. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deh375] - DOI - PubMed
Kim 2011 {published data only}
    1. Kim C‐H, Jeon G‐H, Cheon Y‐P, Jeon I, Kim S‐H, Chae H‐D, et al. Comparison of GnRH antagonist protocol with or without oral contraceptive pill pretreatment and GnRH agonist low‐dose long protocol in low responders undergoing IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Fertility and Sterility 2009;92(5):1758‐60. - PubMed
    1. Kim C‐H, You R‐M, Kang H‐J, Ahn J‐W, Lee J‐I, Kim S‐H, et al. GnRH antagonist multiple dose protocol with oral contraceptive pill pre‐treatment in poor responders undergoing IVF/ICSI. Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine 2011;38(4):228‐33. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Kim CH, Lee HA, Lee JW, Lee YJ, Nah HY, Hong SH, et al. The efficacy of oral contraceptive pretreatment in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation using a GnRH antagonist for low responders [poster]. Human Reproduction. 2005; Vol. 20 Suppl 1:i105‐6.
Kolibianakis 2006 {published data only}
    1. Kolibianakis EM, Albano C, Tournaye H, Camus M, Steirteghem A, Devroey P. Pre‐treatment with oral contraceptive pill affects adversely implantation rate in IVF/ICSI cycles stimulated with rec‐FSH and GnRH antagonists. Fertility and Sterility 2003; Vol. 80, issue Suppl 3:S67.
    1. Kolibianakis EM, Papanikolaou EG, Camus M, Tournaye H, Steirteghem AC, Devroey P. Effect of oral contraceptive pill pretreatment on ongoing pregnancy rates in patients stimulated with GnRH antagonists and recombinant FSH for IVF. A randomized controlled trial. Human Reproduction 2006;21(2):352‐7. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dei348] - DOI - PubMed
Lukaszuk 2015 {published data only}
    1. Lukaszuk K, Liss J, Kunicki M, Kuczynski W, Pastuszek E, Jakiel G, et al. Estradiol valerate pretreatment in short protocol GNRH‐agonist cycles versus combined pretreatment with oral contraceptive pills in long protocol GNRH‐agonist cycles: a randomised controlled trial. BioMed Research International 2015;2015:1‐6. - PMC - PubMed
Nyboe Andersen 2011 {published data only}
    1. Broekmans JF, Verweij PJM, Eijkemans MJC, Mannaerts NMJL, Witjes H. Prognostic models for high and low ovarian responses in controlled ovarian stimulation using a GnRH antagonist protocol. Human Reproduction 2014;29(8):1688‐97. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Nyboe Andersen A, Witjes H, Gordon K, Mannaerts B. Predictive factors of ovarian response and clinical outcome after IVF/ICSI following a rFSH/GnRH antagonist protocol with or without oral contraceptive pretreatment. Human Reproduction 2011;26(12):3413‐23. - PubMed
    1. Tavmergen E, von Mauw, Witjes H, Mannaerts B. Outcome of a trial to identify predicative factors for ovarian response in a GnRH antagonist protocol with or without oral contraceptive scheduling. 25th Annual Meeting of ESHRE; 2009 28 Jun‐1 Jul; Amsterdam, the Netherlands. 2009.
Obruca 2002 {published data only}
    1. Obruca A, Fischl F, Huber J. Programming oocyte retrieval using oral contraceptive pretreatment before ovarian stimulation with a GnRH antagonist (Cetrotide) protocol. Human Reproduction. 2002; Vol. 17 Abstract Book 1:89.
Porrati 2010 {published data only}
    1. Porrati L, Vilela M, Viglierchio MI, Valcarcel A, Lombardi E, Marconi G. Oral contraceptive pretreatment achieves better pregnancy rates in IVF antagonists GnRH flexible protocols: a prospective randomized study. Human Reproduction 2010;25 Suppl 1(6):i102 Abstract no. O‐259.
Raoofi 2008 {published data only}
    1. Raoofi Z, Aflatoonian A. Ovarian cysts formation during depot formulation of GnRH‐a therapy and the effect of pretreatment with oral contraceptive pills on subsequent implantation and pregnancy rate in ART cycles. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research 2008;7(2):109‐13.
Rombauts 2006 {published data only}
    1. Rombauts L, Healy D, Norman RJ, Speirs A, Watkins B, Yovich J, et al. A comparative randomized trial to assess the impact of oral contraceptive pretreatment on follicular growth and hormone profiles in GnRH antagonist‐treated patients. Human Reproduction 2006;21(1):95‐103. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dei302] - DOI - PubMed
Salat‐Baroux 1988 {published data only}
    1. Salat‐Baroux J, Antoine JM, Alvarez S, Cornet D, Tibi C, Mandelbaum J, et al. Programmed ovulation induction and oocyte retrieval for in vitro fertilization. Journal of In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer 1988;5(3):153‐7. - PubMed
Shaker 1995 {published data only}
    1. Shaker AG, Pittrof R, Zaidi J, Bekir J, Kyei‐Mensah A, Tan SL. Administration of progestogens to hasten pituitary desensitization after the use of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist in in vitro fertilization ‐ a prospective randomized study. Fertility and Sterility 1995;64(4):791‐5. - PubMed
Tan 2001 {published data only}
    1. Tan SL, Biljan M. Fixed scheduling of long protocol of GNRH agonists ‐ use of oral contraceptive (OC) or progestogen pre‐treatment. Gynecological Endocrinology. 2001; Vol. 15 Suppl 2:31.
Vilela 2011 {unpublished data only}
    1. Vilela M, Marconi M, Zappacosta MP, Porrati L, Valcarcel A, Marconi G. Oral contraceptive (OcP) pretreatment achieves better pregnancy rates in in vitro fertilisation (IVF) antagonists GnRH flexible protocols: a prospective randomised study. Fertility and Sterility 2011; Vol. 96, issue 3 (supplement):S252, P‐492.
Ye 2009 {published data only}
    1. Ye H, Huang G‐N, Zeng P‐H, Pei L. IVF/ICSI outcomes between cycles with luteal estradiol (E2) pre‐treatment before GnRH antagonist protocol and standard long GnRH agonist protocol: a prospective and randomized study. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 2009;26(2‐3):105‐11. - PMC - PubMed

References to studies excluded from this review

Aghahosseini 2011 {published data only}
    1. Aghahosseini M, Aleyassin A, Khodaverdi S, Esfahani F, Mohammadbeigi R, Movahedi S, et al. Estradiol supplementation during the luteal phase in poor responder patients undergoing in vitro fertilization: a randomized clinical trial. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 2011;28:785‐90. - PMC - PubMed
al‐Mizyen 2000 {published data only}
    1. al‐Mizyen E, Sabatini L, Lower AM, Wilson CMY, al‐Shawaf T, Grudzinskas JG. Does pretreatment with progestogen or oral contraceptive pills in low responders followed by the GnRHa flare protocol improve the outcome of IVF‐ET?. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 2000;17(3):140‐6. - PMC - PubMed
Anderson 1990 {published data only}
    1. Anderson RE, Stein AL, Paulson RJ, Stanczyk FZ, Vijod AG, Lobo RA. Effects of norethindrone on gonadotropin and ovarian‐steroid secretion when used for cycle programming during in vitro fertilization. Fertility and Sterility 1990;54(1):96‐101. - PubMed
Bakas 2014 {published data only}
    1. Bakas P, Hassiakos D, Grigoriadis C, Vlahos NF, Liapis A, Creatsas G. Effect of a low dose combined oral contraceptive pill on the hormonal profile and cycle outcome following COS with a GnRH antagonist protocol in women over 35 years old. Gynecological Endocrinology 2014;30(11):825‐9. - PubMed
Bellver 2007 {published data only}
    1. Bellver J, Albert C, Labarta E, Pellicer A. Early pregnancy loss in women stimulated with gonadotropin‐releasing hormone antagonist protocols according to oral contraceptive pill pretreatment. Fertility and Sterility 2007;87(5):1098‐101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.08.098] - DOI - PubMed
Benadiva 1988 {published data only}
    1. Benadiva CA, Ben‐Rafael Z, Blasco L, Tureck R, Mastroianni LJ, Flickinger GL. Ovarian response to human menopausal gonadotropin following suppression with oral contraceptives. Fertility and Sterility 1988;50(3):516‐8. - PubMed
Bendikson 2006 {published data only}
    1. Bendikson K, Milki AA, Speck‐Zulak A, Westphal LM. Comparison of GnRH antagonist cycles with and without oral contraceptive pretreatment in potential poor prognosis patients. Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology 2006;33(3):145‐7. - PubMed
Biljan 1998c {published data only}
    1. Biljan MM, Mahutte NG, Dean N, Hemmings R, Bissonnette F, Tan SL. Pretreatment with an oral contraceptive is effective in reducing the incidence of functional ovarian cyst formation during pituitary suppression by gonadotropin‐releasing hormone analogues. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 1998;15(10):599‐604. - PMC - PubMed
Branigan 1998 {published data only}
    1. Branigan EF, Estes MA. Treatment of high responders with oral contraceptive pills (OC) before ovarian hyperstimulation for IVF. Fertility and Sterility 1998; Vol. 69, issue 3:599.
Brodt 1993 {published data only}
    1. Brodt J, Taubert HD. Planned ovarian stimulation with preadministered contraceptives in an in‐vitro fertilization program [Programmierte ovarielle stimulation mittels ovulationshemmer‐vorbehandlung in einem in vitro fertilisations(IVF)‐programm]. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics 1993;254(1‐4):246‐8.
Cédrin‐Durnerin 1995 {published data only}
    1. Cédrin‐Durnerin I, Hervé F, Huet‐Pecqueux L, Kottler ML, Hugues JN. Progestogen pretreatment in the short‐term protocol does not affect the prognostic value of the oestradiol flare‐up in response to a GnRH agonist. Human Reproduction 1995;10(11):2904‐8. - PubMed
Cédrin‐Durnerin 1996 {published data only}
    1. Cédrin‐Durnerin I, Bulwa S, Hervé F, Martin‐Pont B, Uzan M, Hugues JN. The hormonal flare‐up following gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone agonist administration is influenced by a progestogen pretreatment. Human Reproduction 1996;11(9):1859‐63. - PubMed
    1. Cédrin‐Durnerin I, Bulwa S, Hervé F, Pecqueux L, Uzan M, Hugues JN. Influence of norethisterone pretreatment on the initial flare‐up induced by a gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone agonist in a short protocol for IVF. Human Reproduction 1995;10 Abstract Book 2:116.
Chung 2006 {published data only}
    1. Chung MT, Tsai YC, Chen SH, Loo TC, Tang HH, Lin LY. Influence of pituitary suppression with triphasic or monophasic oral contraceptives on the outcome of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 2006;23:343‐6. [DOI: 10.1007/s10815-006-9056-y] - DOI - PubMed
Cohen 1987 {published data only}
    1. Cohen J, Debache C, Solal P, Serkine AM, Achard B, Boujenah A, et al. Results of planned in‐vitro fertilization programming through the pre‐administration of the oestrogen‐progesterone combined pill. Human Reproduction 1987;2(1):7‐9. - PubMed
Copperman 2003 {published data only}
    1. Copperman AB, Mukherjee T, Sandler B, Grunfeld L, Bergh PA, Scott RT. Pre‐treatment with oral contraceptive pill improves outcome in IVF cycles of poor‐responders using the GnRH antagonist. Fertility and Sterility 2003; Vol. Suppl 3, 80:S108.
Couzinet 1995 {published data only}
    1. Couzinet B, Young J, Brailly S, Chanson P, Schaison G. Even after priming with ovarian steroids or pulsatile gonadotropin‐releasing hormone administration, naltrexone is unable to induce ovulation in women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism 1995;80(7):2102‐7. - PubMed
Damario 1997 {published data only}
    1. Damario MA, Barmat L, Liu HC, Davis OK, Rosenwaks Z. Dual suppression with oral contraceptives and gonadotrophin releasing‐hormone agonists improves in‐vitro fertilization outcome in high responder patients. Human Reproduction 1997;12(11):2359‐65. - PubMed
Davar 2014 {published data only}
    1. Davar R, Rahsepar M, Rahmani E. Outcome of a trial to identify predicative factors for ovarian response in a GnRH antagonist protocol with or without oral contraceptive scheduling. Iranian Journal of Reproductive Medicine 2014;12 Suppl 1(6):71.
Davy 2004 {published data only}
    1. Davy C, Guibert J, Blanchet V, Nataf E, Olivennes F. The 'wash out' period do not create asynchrony of the follicle cohort when contraceptive pill is used to program GnRH antagonist IVF cycles. Human Reproduction. 2004; Vol. 19 Suppl 1:i5‐6.
    1. Olivennes F Sr, Davy C, Guibert J, Nataf E, Blanchet V. Asynchrony of the follicle cohort is not induced by the “wash out” period when contraceptive pill is used to program GnRH antagonist IVF cycles. Fertility and Sterility 2004; Vol. Suppl 2, 82:S234.
De Ziegler 1999 {published data only}
    1. Ziegler D, Brioschi PA, Benchaa C, Campana A, Ditesheim PJ, Fanchin R, et al. Programming ovulation in the menstrual cycle by a simple innovative approach: back to the future of assisted reproduction. Fertility and Sterility 1999;72(1):77‐82. - PubMed
Dickey 2001 {published data only}
    1. Dickey RP, Sartor BM, Taylor SN, Lu PY, Rye PH, Pyrzak R. Oral contraceptives, not GnRH suppression, may be responsible for very low endogenous LH during IVF cycles. Fertility and Sterility 2001; Vol. Suppl 3, 76, issue 3:S237.
Ditkoff 1997 {published data only}
    1. Ditkoff EC, Prosser R, Zimmermann RC, Lindheim S, Sauer MV. The addition of norethindrone acetate to leuprolide acetate for ovarian suppression has no adverse effect on ovarian stimulation. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 1997;14(2):92‐6. - PMC - PubMed
Doody 2001 {published data only}
    1. Doody KJ, Langley M, Marek D, Doody K. Oral contraceptive pre‐treatment for IVF cycles employing recombinant FSH and a GnRH antagonist. Fertility and Sterility 2001; Vol. Suppl 1, 76, issue 3:S236.
Duvan 2008 {published data only}
    1. Duvan CI, Berker B, Turhan NO, Satiroglu H. Oral contraceptive pretreatment does not improve outcome in microdose gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone agonist protocol among poor responder intracytoplasmic sperm injection patients. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 2008;25:89‐93. [DOI: 10.1007/s10815-008-9203-8] - DOI - PMC - PubMed
Engels 2011 {published data only}
    1. Engels S, Blockeel C, Haentjens P, Vos M, Camus M, Devroey P. How to avoid oocyte retrievals during weekend days using a GnRH antagonist protocol? A randomised controlled trial. Human Reproduction 2011;26 Suppl 1:i308 Abstract no: P‐480.
Fanchin 2001 {published data only}
    1. Fanchin R, Schonauer L, Cunha Filho J, Kadoch I, Cohen Bacrie P, Frydman R. Luteal E2 administration reduces size and improves homogeneity of selectable follicles on cycle‐day 3: bases for novel controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) concepts. Fertility and Sterility 2001; Vol. Suppl 1, 76, issue 3:S90.
Fanchin 2003b {published data only}
    1. Fanchin R, Cunha Filho J, Schonauer L, Kadoch I, Cohen Bacri P, Frydman R. Co‐ordination of early antral follicles by luteal estradiol administration: basis for novel controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Human Reproduction. 2002; Vol. 17 Abstract Book 1:88‐9.
    1. Fanchin R, Cunha‐Filho JS, Schonauer LM, Kadoch IJ, Cohen‐Bacri P, Frydman R. Coordination of early antral follicles by luteal estradiol administration provides a basis for alternative controlled ovarian hyperstimulation regimens. Fertility and Sterility 2003;79(2):316‐21. - PubMed
Feichtinger 1991 {published data only}
    1. Feichtinger W, Babor P, Herczeg KM, Heyda M, Hoffmann R, Plockinger B, et al. Side effects of oral contraceptives in the first treatment cycle. Weiner Medizinische Wochenschrift 1991;141(18‐19):412‐5. - PubMed
Fisch 1996 {published data only}
    1. Fisch B, Royburt M, Pinkas H, Avrech OM, Goldman GA, Bar J, et al. Augmentation of low ovarian response to superovulation before in vitro fertilization following priming with contraceptive pills. Israel Journal of Medical Sciences 1996;32(12):1172‐6. - PubMed
Forman 1991 {published data only}
    1. Forman RG, Demouzon J, Feinstein MC, Testart J, Frydman R. Studies on the influence of gonadotrophin‐levels in the early follicular phase on the ovarian response to stimulation. Human Reproduction 1991;6(1):113‐7. - PubMed
Frederick 2004 {published data only}
    1. Frederick J, DaCosta V, Wynter S, Reid M, Frederick C, McKenzie C. Effect of the oral contraceptive pill on patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. West Indian Medical Journal 2004;53(1):39‐43. - PubMed
Frydman 1986 {published data only}
    1. Frydman R, Forman R, Rainhorn JD, Belaisch‐Allart J, Hazout A, Testart J. A new approach to follicular stimulation for in vitro fertilization: programmed oocyte retrieval. Fertility and Sterility 1986;46(4):657‐62. - PubMed
Galera 2004 {published data only}
    1. Galera F, Verdu V, Villafañex V, Garijo E, Rayward J, Bajo JM. Comparison of plasmatic steroid levels with and without previous oral contraceptive administration in GnRH antagonist IVF cycles. Fertility and Sterility 2004; Vol. Suppl 2, 82:S32.
Gerli 1989 {published data only}
    1. Gerli S, Remohi J, Partrizio P, Borrero C, Balmaceda JP, Silber SJ, et al. Programming of ovarian stimulation with norethindrone acetate in IVF/GIFT cycles. Human Reproduction 1989;4(7):746‐8. - PubMed
Ghanem 2015 {published data only}
    1. Ghanem M, Bediary MH, Helal AS, et al. Is adding estradiole (E2) to progesterone (P) luteal support in high responder long GnRH agonist ICSI cycles detrimental to outcome? Randomised controlled trial (RCT). Fertility & Sterility 2015;104 Suppl(3):e224.
Godin 2003 {published data only}
    1. Godin PA, Gaspard O, Jouan C, Thonon F, Hincourt N, Ravet S, et al. Importance of estradiol priming in in‐vitro maturation cycles. Human Reproduction 2003;18 Suppl 1:153.
Gomez 2000 {published data only}
    1. Gomez E, Ballesteros A, Landeras J, Munoz M, Martinez MC. Preparation of endometrium with oral oestradiol valerate versus transdermal oestradiol for cryopreserved embryo transfer: a prospective randomized study. Human Reproduction 2000;15:175‐6.
Gonen 1990 {published data only}
    1. Gonen Y, Jacobson W, Casper RF. Gonadotropin suppression with oral contraceptives before in vitro fertilization. Fertility and Sterility 1990;53(2):282‐7. - PubMed
Gonzalez 1995 {published data only}
    1. Gonzalez P, Maloul S, Ciuffardi I, Frederick JL, Balmaceda JP, Asch RH. The use of progestins for programming assisted reproductive cycles and gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist flare‐up protocols in older patients. Fertility and Sterility 1995;63(2):249‐51. - PubMed
Greco 2016 {published data only}
    1. Greco E, Litwicka K, Arrivi C, Varricchio MT, Caragia A, Greco A, et al. The endometrial preparation for frozen‐thawed euploidblastocyst transfer: a prospective randomized trial comparing clinical results from natural modified cycle and exogenous hormone stimulation with GnRH agonist. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 2016;33:873‐84. [DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0736-y] - DOI - PMC - PubMed
Guivarc'h‐Levêque 2009 {published data only}
    1. Guivarc’h‐Levêque A, Arvis P, Bouchet J‐L, Broux P‐L, Moy L, Priou G, et al. Efficiency of antagonist IVF cycle programming by estrogens [Efficacité de la programmation des cycles FIV en antagonistes par les estrogènes]. Gynécologie Obstétrique & Fertilité 2010;38:18‐22. - PubMed
Haydardedeoglu 2012 {published data only}
    1. Haydardedeoglu B, Kilicdag EB, Parlakgummus AH, Zeyneloglu HB. IVF/ICSI outcomes of the OCP plus GnRH agonist protocol versus the OCP plus GnRH antagonist protocol in women with PCOS: a randomised trial. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2012;286:763‐9. - PubMed
Hugues 1992 {published data only}
    1. Hugues JN, Attalah M, Hervé F, Martin‐Pont B, Kottler ML, Santarelli J. Effects of short‐term GnRH agonist ‐ human menopausal gonadotropin stimulation in patients pre‐treated with progestogen. Human Reproduction 1992;7(8):1079‐84. - PubMed
Jung 2000 {published data only}
    1. Jung H, Roh HK. The effects of E2 supplementation from the early proliferative phase to the late secretory phase of the endometrium in hMG‐stimulated IVF‐ET. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 2000;17(1):28‐33. - PMC - PubMed
Karande 2004 {published data only}
    1. Karande VC, Latash WDZ, Birkenkamp T, Cavanaugh J, Melone K, Hazlett D. Preliminary report of a prospective randomized controlled trial comparing the use of NuvaRing® to Desogen® in in vitro fertilization cycles with ganirelix acetate. Fertility and Sterility 2004; Vol. Suppl 2, 82:S31‐2.
Keltz 2007 {published data only}
    1. Keltz MD, Gera PS, Skorupski J, Stein DE. Comparison of FSH flare with and without pretreatment with oral contraceptive pills in poor responders undergoing in vitro fertilization. Fertility and Sterility 2007;88(2):350‐3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.11.123] - DOI - PubMed
    1. Keltz MD, Sharma P, Stein DE. Comparison of FSH flare in poor responders undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) with and without prior oral contraceptive suppression. Fertility and Sterility 2003; Vol. 80:S107. - PubMed
Kovacs 2001 {published data only}
    1. Kovacs P, Barg PE, Witt BR. Hypothalamic‐pituitary suppression with oral contraceptive pills does not improve outcome in poor responder patients undergoing in vitro fertilization‐embryo transfer cycles. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 2001;18(7):391‐4. - PMC - PubMed
Kreiner 2007 {published data only}
    1. Kreiner D, diLandro R, Moschella J. Study of IVF success with pituitary suppression prior to follistim/HMG stimulation in ganirelix cycles using oral contraceptives and estrace. Fertility & Sterility 2007;Vol 88 Suppl 1:284, abstract no. 534.
Leondires 1999 {published data only}
    1. Leondires MP, Escalpes M, Segars JH, Scott RT, Miller BT. Microdose follicular phase gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist (GnRH‐a) compared with luteal phase GnRH‐a for ovarian stimulation at in vitro fertilization. Fertility and Sterility 1999;72(6):1018‐23. - PubMed
Letterie 2000 {published data only}
    1. Letterie GS. Inhibition of gonadotropin surge by a brief mid‐cycle regimen of ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone: possible role in in vitro fertilization. Gynecological Endocrinology 2000;14(1):1‐4. - PubMed
Lewin 2002 {published data only}
    1. Lewin A, Fatum M, Shufaro Y, Simon A, Reubinoff B, Laufer N, et al. Artificial endometrial preparation for frozen‐thawed embryo transfer using oral oestradiol and a new low‐dose vaginal progesterone preparation: Endometrin tablets. Human Reproduction 2001; Vol. Suppl 1, 16:152.
    1. Lewin A, Pisov G, Turgeman R, Fatum M, Shufaro Y, Simon A, et al. Simplified artificial endometrial preparation, using oral estradiol and novel vaginal progesterone tablets: a prospective randomized study. Gynecological Endocrinology 2002;16(2):131‐6. - PubMed
Lindheim 1996 {published data only}
    1. Lindheim SR, Barad DH, Witt B, Ditkoff E, Sauer MV. Short‐term gonadotropin suppression with oral contraceptives benefits poor responders prior to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 1996;13(9):745‐7. - PubMed
Liu 2011 {published data only}
    1. Liu KE, Alhajri M, Greenblatt E. A randomized controlled trial of NuvaRing versus combined oral contraceptive pills for pretreatment in in vitro fertilization cycles. Fertility and Sterility 2011;96(3):605‐8. - PubMed
Loutradis 2003 {published data only}
    1. Loutradis D, Stefanidis K, Drakakis P, Kallianidis K, Sheikh A, Milingos S, et al. Does pre‐treatment with micronized progesterone affect the ovarian response to a gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist flare‐up protocol?. Gynecological Endocrinology 2003;17(2):101‐6. - PubMed
Martinez 2006 {published data only}
    1. Martínez F, Boada M, Coroleu B, Clua E, Parera N, Rodríguez I, et al. A prospective trial comparing oocyte donor ovarian response and recipient pregnancy rates between suppression with gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) alone and dual suppression with a contraceptive vaginal ring and GnRH. Human Reproduction 2006;21(8):2121‐5. - PubMed
Mashiach 1989 {published data only}
    1. Mashiach S, Dor J, Goldenberg M, Shalev J, Blankstein J, Rudake E, et al. Protocols for induction of ovulation ‐ the concept of programmed cycles. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 1988;541:37‐45. - PubMed
    1. Mashiach S, Dor J, Goldenberg M, Shalev J, Levran D, Rudak E, et al. Programmed oocyte retrieval: clinical and biological effects of oral contraceptives administered before in vitro fertilization. Gynecological Endocrinology 1989;3(2):107‐15. - PubMed
Meldrum 2002 {published data only}
    1. Meldrum D, Scott R, Levy MJ, Alper M, Noyes N. A pilot study to assess oral contraceptive (OC) pretreatment in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) in ganirelix acetate cycles. Fertility and Sterility 2002; Vol. Suppl 1, 78, issue 3:S176.
Meldrum 2008 {published data only}
    1. Meldrum DR, Cassidenti DL, Rosen GF, Yee B, Wisot AL. Oral contraceptive pretreatment and half dose of ganirelix does not excessively suppress LH and may be an excellent choice for scheduling IUI cycles. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 2008;25:417‐20. [DOI: 10.1007/s10815-008-9244-z] - DOI - PMC - PubMed
Merviel 2015 {published data only}
    1. Merviel P, Cabry‐Goubet R, Lourdel E, Devaux A, Belhadri‐Mansouri N, Copin H, et al. Comparative prospective study of 2 ovarian stimulation protocols in poor responders: effect on implantation rate and ongoing pregnancy. Reproductive Health 2015;12:52. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Scheffler F, Merviel P, Lourdel E, et al. Contraceptive pill and gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) flare‐up agonist versus GnRH antagonist protocol in poor responders: lessons to a prospective study. Human Reproduction 2015;30 Suppl:i295 Abstract no: p‐410.
Min 2005 {published data only}
    1. Min JK, Claman P. Oral contraceptive (OC) pre‐treatment does not influence oocyte yield in poor responders undergoing gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist cycles for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Fertility and Sterility 2005; Vol. Suppl 1, 84:S45‐6.
Mirkin 2003 {published data only}
    1. Mirkin S, Stadtmauer LA, Gibbons WE, Oehninger S. Clinical and endocrine impact of pretreatment with oral contraceptive pills in poor responders undergoing IVF with a combination of microdose flare leuprolide acetate and high dose gonadotropins. Fertility and Sterility 2003; Vol. Suppl 3, 80:S190‐1.
Mulangi 1997 {published data only}
    1. Mulangi AS, Nelson‐White TM, Racowsky C, Gelety TJ. Follicular phase endocrine response to oral contraceptives (OCs) followed by gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) for down‐regulation prior to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) for the purpose of IVF. Fertility and Sterility 1997; Vol. Suppl 1, 68:S6.
Neal 1993 {published data only}
    1. Neal GS, Sultan KM, Liu HC, Davis OK, Rosenwaks Z. A dual approach to ovarian suppression using oral contraceptive pills and leuprolide acetate in high responder patients undergoing IVF. Fertility and Sterility 1993;60(5):S111.
Pados 1995 {published data only}
    1. Pados G, Tarlatzis BC, Bontis J, Lagos S, Papadimas J, Spanos E, et al. Evaluation of different ovarian stimulation protocols for in vitro fertilization. Gynecological Endocrinology 1995;9:103‐12. [DOI: 10.3109/09513599509160198] - DOI - PubMed
Palomba 2008 {published data only}
    1. Palomba S, Falbo A, Orio F, Russo T, Tolino A, Zullo F. Pretreatment with oral contraceptives in infertile anovulatory patients with polycystic ovary syndrome who receive gonadotropins for controlled ovarian stimulation. Fertility and Sterility 2008;89(6):1838‐42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.05.035] - DOI - PubMed
Pinkas 2008 {published data only}
    1. Pinkas H, Sapir O, Avrech OM, Ben‐Haroush A, Ashkenzi J, Fisch B, et al. The effect of oral contraceptive pill for cycle scheduling prior to GnRH‐antagonist protocol on IVF cycle parameters and pregnancy outcome. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 2008;25:29‐33. [DOI: 10.1007/s10815-007-9189-7] - DOI - PMC - PubMed
Ramsewak 2005 {published data only}
    1. Ramsewak SS, Duffy S, Taylor J, Woodward B. The oral contraceptive pill effectively permits cycle batching for an intermittent in vitro fertilization programme in Trinidad and Tobago. West Indian Medical Journal 2005;54(2):127‐9. - PubMed
Rashidi 2011 {published data only}
    1. Rashidi B, Nasiri R, Rahmanpour H, Shahrokh Tehraninejad E, Deldar M. Luteal phase estradiol versus luteal phase GnRH antagonist administration: their effects on antral follicular size coordination and basal hormonal levels. Iranian Journal of Reproductive Medicine 2011;9(4):315‐8. - PMC - PubMed
Russell 1997 {published data only}
    1. Russell JB, Knezevich KM, Fabian KF, Dickson JA. Unstimulated immature oocyte retrieval: early versus mid follicular endometrial priming. Fertility and Sterility 1997;67(4):616‐20. - PubMed
Sanghvi 2002 {published data only}
    1. Sanghvi A, Noyes N, Krey LC. An oral contraceptive (OCP) microdose flare leuprolide acetate (LA) stimulation protocol is useful for poor prognosis patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Fertility and Sterility 2002; Vol. Suppl 1, 78:S149.
Schoolcraft 1997 {published data only}
    1. Schoolcraft W, Schlenker T, Gee M, Stevens J, Wagley L. Improved controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in poor responder in vitro fertilization patients with a microdose follicle‐stimulating hormone flare, growth hormone protocol. Fertility and Sterility 1997;67(1):93‐7. - PubMed
Steinkampf 1991 {published data only}
    1. Steinkampf MP, Hammond KR, Blackwell RE. Effect of estrogen/progestin administration on the ovarian response to gonadotropins: a randomized, prospective study. Fertility and Sterility 1991;55(3):642‐3. - PubMed
Surrey 1989 {published data only}
    1. Surrey ES, Cedars MI. The effect of gonadotropin suppression on the induction of ovulation in premature ovarian failure patients. Fertility and Sterility 1989;52(1):36‐41. - PubMed
Surrey 1998 {published data only}
    1. Surrey ES, Bower J, Hill DM, Ramsey J, Surrey MW. Clinical and endocrine effects of a microdose GnRH agonist flare regimen administered to poor responders who are undergoing in vitro fertilization. Fertility and Sterility 1998; Vol. 69, issue 3:419‐24. - PubMed
Talebian 2004 {published data only}
    1. Talebian S, Krey LC, Noyes N. Use of oral contraceptives with GnRH antagonists and recombinant gonadotropins in IVF cycles have no deleterious effect on pregnancy outcome. Fertility and Sterility 2004; Vol. Suppl 2, 82:S234.
Talebian 2007 {published data only}
    1. Talebian S, Krey LC, Reh A, Granguly N, Liu M, Noyes N. Oral contraceptive (OC) pre‐treatment in GnRH antagonist (ANT) cycles is a reasonable option to control the timing of IVF cycles. Fertility and Sterility 2007; Vol. Suppl 1, 88:S291.
Tarlatzis 1993 {published data only}
    1. Tarlatzis BC, Pazaitou K, Bili H, Bontis J, Papadimas J, Lagos S, et al. Growth hormone, oestradiol, progesterone and testosterone concentrations in follicular fluid after ovarian stimulation with various regimes for assisted reproduction. Human Reproduction 1993;8(10):1612‐6. - PubMed
Tartagni 2007 {published data only}
    1. Tartagni M, Cicinelli E, Pergola G, Salvia MA, Lavopa C, Loverro G. Effects of pretreatment with estrogens on ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins in women with premature ovarian failure: a randomized, placebo‐controlled trial. Fertility and Sterility 2007;87(4):858‐61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.08.086] - DOI - PubMed
Tehraninejad 2010 {published data only}
    1. Tehraninejad ES, Nasiri R, Rashidi B, Haghollahi F, Ataie M. Comparison of GnRH antagonist with long GnRH agonist protocol after OCP pretreatment in PCOs patients. Archives of Gynecology & Obstetrics 2010;282(3):319‐25. - PubMed
Wang 2008 {published data only}
    1. Wang B, Sun HX, Hu YL, Chen H, Zhang NY. Application of GnRH‐antagonist to IVF‐ET for patients with poor ovarian response. National Journal of Andrology [Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue] 2008;14(5):423‐6. - PubMed
Wang 2016 {published data only}
    1. Wang Y, Chen Q, Wang N, Chen H, Lyu Q, Kuang Y. Controlled ovarian stimulation using medroxyprogesterone acetate and hMG in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome treated for IVF a double‐blind randomized crossover clinical trial. Medicine 2016;95(9):1‐8. - PMC - PubMed
Wei 2016 {published data only}
    1. Wei D, Shi Y, Li J, Wang Z, Zhang L, Sun Y, et al. Effect of pretreatment with oral contraceptives and progestins on IVF outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Human Reproduction 2016;32(2):1‐8. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew325] - DOI - PMC - PubMed
Weisman 1989 {published data only}
    1. Weisman Z, Dirnfeld M, Lissak A, Sorokin Y, Abramovici H. Oral contraceptive pills and follicular fluid hormones in an in vitro fertilization program. Fertility and Sterility 1989;52(3):451‐3. - PubMed
Yokota 2006 {published data only}
    1. Yokota Y, Yokota M, Yokota H, Makita M, Sato S, Araki Y. A novel procedure for improving pregnancy rates in frequent repeated IVF failure: estrogen rebound combined with GnRH agonist flare. Human Reproduction 2006;21 Suppl 1:i130‐1.
Yoshida 2005 {published data only}
    1. Yoshida A, Kakinuma M, Matsuba T, Seida K, Suzuki H, Tanaka M. Effectiveness of using estradiol‐GnRH antagonist protocol with unsuccessful oral contraceptive pill‐GnRH antagonist protocol cases (full term pregnancies had not resulted) in in‐vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. Fertility and Sterility 2005; Vol. Suppl 1, 84:S45.
Youssef 2017 {published data only}
    1. Youssef M, Wely M, Al‐Inany H, Madani T, Jahangiri N, Khodabakhshi S, et al. A mild ovarian stimulation in women with poor ovarian reserve undergoing IVF: a multicenter randomized non‐inferiority trial. Human Reproduction 2017;32(1):112‐8. - PubMed
    1. Youssef M, Wely M, Al‐Inany H, Madani T, Jahangiri N, Khodabakhshi S, et al. Mild versus standard ovarian stimulation in poor responder women undergoing IVF and ICSI (prima) ‐ multicenter randomised controlled study. Human Reproduction 2014;29:i50‐1.
Zhao 2008 {published data only}
    1. Zhao JZ, Lin XH, Huang XF, Lin JJ, Lin WQ, Ye BL. Effect of desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol pretreatment in superovulation cycles with short protocol. Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology [Zhonghua Fu Chan Ke Za Zhi] 2008;43(2):102‐5. - PubMed

Additional references

Al‐Inany 2016
    1. Al‐Inany HG, Youssef MA, Ayeleke RO, Brown J, Lam WS, Broekmans FJ. Gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone antagonists for assisted reproductive technology. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2016, Issue 4. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001750.pub4] - DOI - PMC - PubMed
Arowojolu 2007
    1. Arowojolu AO, Gallo MF, Lopez LM, Grimes DA, Garner SE. Combined oral contraceptive pills for treatment of acne. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 1. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004425.pub3] - DOI - PubMed
Awadalla 1987
    1. Awadalla SG, Friedman CI, Chin NW, Dodds W, Park JM, Kim MH. Follicular stimulation for in vitro fertilization using pituitary suppression and human menopausal gonadotropins. Fertility and Sterility 1987;48(5):811‐5. - PubMed
Barmat 2005
    1. Barmat LI, Chantilis SJ, Hurst BS, Dickey RP. A randomized prospective trial comparing gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist/ recombinant follicle‐stimulating hormone (rFSH) versus GnRH‐agonist/ rFSH in women pretreated with oral contraceptives before in vitro fertilization. Fertility and Sterility 2005;83(2):321‐30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2004.06.076] - DOI - PubMed
Biljan 1998a
    1. Biljan MM, Mahutte NG, Dean N, Hemmings R, Bissonnette F, Tan SL. Effects of pretreatment with an oral contraceptive on the time required to achieve pituitary suppression with gonadotropin‐releasing hormone analogues and on subsequent implantation and pregnancy rates. Fertility and Sterility 1998;70(6):1063‐9. - PubMed
Cohen 1979
    1. Cohen BL, Katz M. Pituitary and ovarian function in women receiving hormonal contraception. Contraception 1979;20(5):475‐87. - PubMed
De Ziegler 1998
    1. Ziegler D, Jaaskelainen AS, Brioschi PA, Fanchin R, Bulletti C. Synchronization of endogenous and exogenous FSH stimuli in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). Human Reproduction 1998;13(3):561‐4. - PubMed
Dodson 1989
    1. Dodson WC. Role of gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists in ovulation induction. Journal of Reproductive Medicine 1989;34(1):76‐9. - PubMed
EndNote [Computer program]
    1. Thomson Reuters. EndNote. Version X1. New York: Thomson Reuters, 2008.
Erkkola 2007
    1. Erkkola R. Recent advances in hormonal contraception. Obstetrics and Gynecology 2007;19:547‐53. - PubMed
ESHRE 2016
    1. European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. 32nd annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. Helsinki, Finland 2016. Human Reproduction 2016;31 Suppl 1:Abstract book.
Gaspard 1984
    1. Gaspard UJ, Dubois M, Gillain D, Franchimont P, Duvivier J. Ovarian function is effectively inhibited by a low‐dose triphasic oral contraceptive containing ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel. Contraception 1984;29(4):305‐18. - PubMed
GRADEpro GDT 2014 [Computer program]
    1. GRADE Working Group, McMaster University. GRADEpro GDT. Version accessed prior to 28 October 2016. Hamilton (ON): GRADE Working Group, McMaster University, 2014.
Griesinger 2008
    1. Griesinger G, Venetis CA, Marx T, Diedrich K, Tarlatzis BC, Kolibianakis EM. Oral contraceptive pill pretreatment in ovarian stimulation with GnRH antagonists for IVF: a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Fertility and Sterility 2008;90(4):1055‐63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.07.1354] - DOI - PubMed
Griffin 2002
    1. Griffin PD, Rowe PJ, Vayena E, editor(s). Medical, ethical and social aspects of assisted reproduction. Current practices and controversies in assisted reproduction: report of a WHO meeting. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization 2002. [ISBN 92 4 159030 0]
Harwood 2007
    1. Harwood K, Vuguin P, DiMartino‐Nardi J. Current approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome in youth. Hormone Research 2007;68(5):209‐17. [DOI: 10.1159/000101538] - DOI - PMC - PubMed
Higgins 2011
    1. Higgins JPT, Green S, editor(s). Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions Version 5.1.0 (updated March 2011). The Cochrane Collaboration, 2011. Available from handbook.cochrane.org.
Huirne 2006b
    1. Huirne JA, Hugues JN, Pirard C, Fischl F, Sage JC, Pouly JL, et al. Cetrorelix in an oral contraceptive‐pretreated stimulation cycle compared with buserelin in IVF/ICSI patients treated with r‐hFSH: a randomized, multicentre, phase IIIb study. Human Reproduction 2006;21(6):1408‐15. [10.1093/humrep/del030] - PubMed
Irvine 1999
    1. Irvine GA, Cameron IT. Medical management of dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Best Practice and Research in Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology 1999;13(2):189‐202. - PubMed
Le Nestour 1993
    1. Nestour E, Marraoui J, Lahlou N, Roger M, Ziegler D, Bouchard P. Role of estradiol in the rise in follicle‐stimulating hormone levels during the luteal‐follicular transition. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism 1993;77(2):439‐42. - PubMed
MDSG Module 2008
    1. Farquhar C, Clarke J, Lethaby A, Thomas J, Proctor M, Barlow D, et al. Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group, About The Cochrane Collaboration (Cochrane Review Groups (CRGs)). Available at www.thecochranelibrary.com 2008.
Moher 2009
    1. Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, Altman DG, The PRISMA Group. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses: the PRISMA Statement. BMJ 2009;339:2535. - PMC - PubMed
Moudgal 1985
    1. Moudgal RN, Jagannadha Rao A, Murthy GSRC, Neelakanta R, Banavar SR, Kotagi SG, et al. Effect of intranasal administration of norethisterone and progesterone on pituitary and gonadal function in adult male and female bonnet monkeys (Macaca radiata). Fertility and Sterility 1985;44(1):120‐4. - PubMed
Pandian 2005
    1. Pandian Z, Bhattacharya S, Vale L, Templeton A. In vitro fertilisation for unexplained subfertility. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2005, Issue 2. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003357.pub2] - DOI - PubMed
RevMan 2014 [Computer program]
    1. The Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration. Review Manager 5 (RevMan 5). Version 5.3. Copenhagen: The Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration, 2014.
SIGN
    1. Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network. Search filters. www.sign.ac.uk/methodology/filters.html#random (accessed 18 November 2008).
Tarlatzis 2006
    1. Tarlatzis BC, Fauser BC, Kolibianakis EM, Diedrich K, Rombauts L, Devroey P. GnRH antagonists in ovarian stimulation for IVF. Human Reproduction Update 2006;12(4):333‐40. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dml001] - DOI - PubMed
Van Wely 2003
    1. Wely M, Westergaard LG, Bossuyt PM, Veen F. Human menopausal gonadotropin versus recombinant follicle stimulation hormone for ovarian stimulation in assisted reproductive cycles. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2003, Issue 1. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003973] - DOI - PubMed

References to other published versions of this review

Smulders 2006
    1. Smulders B, Oirschot SM, Farquhar C, Rombauts L, Kremer JAM. Oral contraceptive pill, progestogen or estrogen pre‐treatment for ovarian stimulation protocols for women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 7. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006109] - DOI - PubMed
Smulders 2010
    1. Smulders B, Oirschot SM, Farquhar C, Rombauts L, Kremer JAM. Oral contraceptive pill, progestogen or estrogen pre‐treatment for ovarian stimulation protocols for women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 1. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006109.pub2] - DOI - PubMed

MeSH terms

LinkOut - more resources