title: [Use of GnRH antagonist for in vitro fertilization].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  For many patients, the typical treatment protocol for in vitro fertilization (IVF) is both physically and psychologically demanding. An alternative approach to use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-agonists traditionally used to prevent premature ovulation, is use of GnRH-antagonists. The aim of this article is to describe advantages and disadvantages of using GnRH-antagonists in IVF.
  
  
  METHODS
  The paper is based on literature identified through a non-systematic search in PubMed, and more than ten years of clinical experience with use of GnRH antagonists in IVF.
  
  
  RESULTS
  To maintain a similar pregnancy rate as that with GnRH-agonists, one can use GnRH-antagonists at an earlier time-point during stimulation of the ovaries and a lower dose of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). A less intensive stimulation implies a lower risk of complications and side effects and a shorter treatment period before egg collection (from four-five weeks to less than two weeks). The main disadvantage of the GnRH-antagonist protocol is that ovarian stimulation cannot be programmed to the same extent as that with use of a GnRH-agonist.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Stimulation with a GnRH-antagonist instead of a GnRH-agonist in IVF, is less physically and psychologically demanding for the patients and maintains the same birth rate.
authors: Medicus Trondheim, Norway. erling.ekerhovd@obgyn.gu.se
authors: Erling
authors: E
authors: Ekerhovd
mesh_terms: D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D043373:Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Human / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D006727:Hormone Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D010053:Ovary / Q000187:drug effects; D010060:Ovulation / Q000187:drug effects; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal
chemical_list: D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D043373:Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Human; D006727:Hormone Antagonists; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; C061018:ganirelix; C062876:cetrorelix