In a nutshell
This study compared minimal ovarian stimulation (MOS) to conventional ovarian stimulation (COS) in women undergoing fertility treatment. They found that MOS resulted in greater numbers of good-quality embryos and oocytes (eggs) in these women.
Some background
During fertility treatment, women undergo controlled ovarian stimulation (COS). This involves administering hormones that cause oocytes (eggs) to mature and be released. These release eggs or follicles can then be harvested and in vitro fertilization (IVF) can be performed.
Some patients do not respond well to COS. Alternative stimulation protocols can be used to try and harvest follicles. Minimimal ovarian stimulation (MOS) is a protool that involves using lower hormone doses. It is unclear if MOS is effective in women that do not respond well to COS.
Methods & findings
This study included the records of 46 women that underwent two stimulation cycles. One of these cycles involved COS and the other involved MOS (or vice versa). Which cycle was first was determined mostly on patient preference to have a lower hormone dose as a first option.
The number of oocytes obtained was 55.4% higher in MOS vs. COS cycles. The number of mature oocytes was 63.7% higher in MOS vs. COS cycles. Also, the number of normally fertilized oocytes was 94.9% higher in MOS vs. COS cycles. The number of high-quality embryos for transfer was 326.7% higher in MOS vs. COS cycles. The dose of hormones used in COS was 3.6 times greater than in the MOS protocol.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that MOS resulted in greater numbers of good-quality embryos and oocytes in women undergoing fertility treatment.
The fine print
This study had a very small number of participants. Larger, controlled studies are needed to determine what stimulation protocol is more effective in poor-responders.
What’s next?
If you have any concerns regarding fertility treatment, please consult with your physician.
Published By :
Reproductive BioMedicine Online
Date :
Aug 23, 2018
