Should we still advise infertile couples to use (barrier) contraception before IVF down-regulation?
OBJECTIVE
To determine the outcome of spontaneous conceptions in women who received GnRH agonists during mid-luteal phase down-regulation before IVF treatment.


METHODS
Retrospective analysis of case records and study of the literature.


METHODS
Two university-affiliated reproductive medicine units.


METHODS
Seventy-three women who conceived spontaneously after starting down-regulation with a GnRH agonist before controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Course and clinical outcome of pregnancies.


RESULTS
Seventy-four pregnancies occurred in 73 women who received a GnRH agonist. Of these patients, 6 (8%) had a biochemical pregnancy, 6 (8%) had an ectopic pregnancy, 21 (28%) miscarried, and 41 pregnancies resulted in successfully delivered babies; there were 2 cases of congenital abnormalities.


CONCLUSIONS
These cases, together with other published data, suggest that pregnancy outcome is not adversely affected by exposure to GnRH agonist during luteal-phase down-regulation. A central register of pregnant women who received a GnRH agonist is needed.
Platteau
P
P
Monash-IVF, Epworth Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. peter.plateau@az.vub.ac.be
Gabbe
M
M
Famelos
M
M
Kovacs
G
G
Healy
D
D
D002064:Buserelin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015536:Down-Regulation; D005260:Female; D005300:Fertility Agents, Female / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000628:therapy*; D016729:Leuprolide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D017274:Nafarelin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D005300:Fertility Agents, Female; D017274:Nafarelin; D016729:Leuprolide; D002064:Buserelin