Three common IVF protocols

A brief desrciption of three protocols commonly used in IVF:

• stop protocol: involves the use of Lupron (leuprolide acetate), a GnRH agonist given during the mid-luteal phase of the patient's cycle, which occurs about a week before menstruation, until the beginning of menstruation. This is followed by the use of gonadotropins (hormone drugs) from day 2 of the cycle until a drug known as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is given to induce ovulation.


• microdose flare protocol: involves the use of oral contraceptives started during the previous menstrual period, followed by twice-daily doses of a GnRH agonist, then gonadotropin doses on day 2 of the stimulation cycle until the day hCG is administered.


• regular dose flare protocol: includes the use of gonadotropins given in combination with a GnRH agonist from cycle day 2 until hCG is given.

Limited studies seem to indicate that the microdose flare protocol may have a significantly higher success rate in women with poor response to ovarian stimulation hormones, this according to a study by the Center for Reproductive Health at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, published in the November issue of the Journal of Fertility and Sterility.