Comparative Study Between Long Protocol with Antagonist Protocol on IVF Cycle

Abstract

<p><strong>Objective</strong></p><p>Ovarian stimulation is one of important step in In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) program to produce numbers of good oocyte to achieve better pregnancy rate. Various methods of ovarian stimulation have been tried mostly now are long (agonist) and antagonist protocol. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of both protocol.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong></p><p>A retrospective comparative analytical study of all subfertile patients who underwent IVF program from January to December 2011 in Halim Fertility Centre that meets the inclusions and exclusions criteria was done.</p><p><strong>Results</strong></p><p>Number of stimulation days in antagonist groups (9.3 <span style="text-decoration: underline;">+</span> 1.34 days) was similar with agonist group (9.8 <span style="text-decoration: underline;">+</span> 1.57 days). The total dosage of gonadotropin used in antagonist group (1279 <span style="text-decoration: underline;">+</span> 805.65) was significantly lower than agonist group (2196.3 <span style="text-decoration: underline;">+</span> 931.99). Pregnancy rates between both group was similar (34% in antagonist group vs 36% in agonist group). There was no severe Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) case in antagonist group and there were 5 cases of severe OHSS found in agonist group. There was a significant higher severe OHSS cases in agonist group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion</strong></p><p>Ovarian stimulation with agonist and antagonist protocol have similar efficacy in IVF outcome, but antagonist protocol appears to be safer than agonist protocol in term of incidence of severe OHSS.</p>