Objective: To assess the usefulness of the ultrashort regimen of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) in ovulation induction in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) program.
Design: A prospective randomized trial comparing short and ultrashort regimens of GnRH-a.
Setting: Aberdeen Assisted Reproduction Unit.
Patients: Forty-eight patients having IVF for the first time were randomized between the two protocols.
Main outcome measures: Response to ovarian stimulation and occurrence of spontaneous luteinizing hormone (LH) surges.
Results: In ovulation induction, fertilization, and pregnancy rates the ultrashort regimen produces results that were no different to the short regimen but it did not always prevent an LH surge.
Conclusion: The ultrashort regimen can be a useful alternative for ovarian stimulation of patients undergoing IVF.