Objective: In order to reduce the costs of follicular stimulation and monitorization for Assisted Reproductive Techniques in low income couples, we propose a protocol with minimal ovarian stimulation (MOS) and follicular monitorization. Design: Prospective, Controlled and Non-randomized. Materials/Methods: From August 2001 until January 2002, 39 low income infertile couples were scheduled to perform ICSI using MOS with Clomiphene citrate 100 mg days 3 to 7th of the cycle, plus Menotrophins 75 IU day 7 to 10th. We added Indomethacin 50 mg TID, and was started the day of hCG (10,000 IU). Vaginal ultrasound starting day 10th of the cycle. Follicular aspiration and ICSI was performed as used. A statistical analysis was made using a database Excel for Windows 2000, obtained variance analysis (ANOVA), range, standard deviation, percentage and average of the studied variables. Results: The woman age was 30.2 years (23–35) with infertility duration of 5.5 years (0.8–14). The etiology was male or tuboperitoneal factor. 6 cycles (15.3%) were cancelled due to poor response (two or less follicles). The mean number of follicles >18 mm the day of hCG was 3.2. Three cases had spontaneous ovulation. Follicular aspiration was done on day 13th. The mean number of oocytes recovered was 2.4 (0–6). No oocytes were found in four patients (premature luteinization). The fertilization rate was 85.3% (70/82), 12 oocytes (12.7%) were post-mature (not injected). There was no fertilization in two patients. The embryo transfer was made in day 2 post aspiration with a mean number of 2.3 embryos (1–3). In one patient the transfer was cancelled because uterine bleeding. Only four patients had six spare embryos to freeze. The pregnancy rate per cycle was 23% (9/39), per aspiration 27.2% (9/33), per transference 34.6% (9/26) and the implantation rate was 19.6% (11/56). Two of the nine pregnant patients have twins. Conclusions: In a selected group of patients (under 35 years old) an acceptable pregnancy rate can be achieved with MOS and minimal follicular monitorization. Having low incidence of complications: only two twins and no triplets, and absence of severe ovarian hyperstimulation. With this protocol it is expected to have low number of spare embryos to freeze, reducing problems acompannied with their storage. Reducing the cost of the procedure could make it more affordable to medium or low income couples in third world countries. This is our first experience with MOS, in order to reduce the spontaneous ovulation and luteinization in future cases we are going to start ultrasound follicular monitorization before day 10, and in some cases the aspiration before day 13th, expecting higher pregnancy rates. Supported by: Instituto para el Estudio de la Concepcion Humana. Monterrey, Nuevo Leon. Mexico.
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