Effects of different ovulation induction protocols on pregnancy outcomes of fresh cycles in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer with donor sperm

Q: What was the objective of this study on IVF-D patients?

To analyze clinical pregnancy outcomes in IVF-D patients using different ovulation induction protocols and provide reference data for selecting appropriate protocols.

Q: How were participants divided in the study?

Participants from 1801 IVF-D cycles were retrospectively grouped by the controlled ovarian hyperstimulation protocol: follicular-phase ultralong GnRH-a, luteal-phase GnRHa long, and GnRH-ant.

Q: Which protocol showed the shortest Gn administration duration and lowest total Gn dose?

The GnRH-ant protocol required the shortest duration of Gn administration and the lowest total Gn dose in fresh embryo transfer cycles.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Emma Wilson

Analyzes clinical pregnancy outcomes in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer with donor sperm (IVF-D) under different ovulation induction protocols, aiming to support protocol selection. Retrospective data from 1801 IVF-D cycles at Peking University Third Hospital (June 2010–June 2021) compares follicular-phase ultralong GnRHa, luteal-phase GnRHa long, and GnRH-ant regimens. Significant between-group differences appear in multiple endocrine and cycle parameters and in clinical pregnancy and live birth rates; ectopic pregnancy, early miscarriage, and multiple pregnancy do not differ. Concludes GnRH-ant uses the shortest Gn duration and lowest total dose, while GnRH-a long yields the highest clinical pregnancy rate, suggesting protocol choice for fresh transfers.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time23 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

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Introduction

Epidemiology and treatment options

Overview of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation protocols

Methods

Study participants

Group protocols

Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics (2026) 313:20 [https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-025-08272-4](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-025-08272-4) Effects of different ovulation induction protocols on pregnancy outcomes of fresh cycles in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization‑embryo transfer with donor sperm Lixiao Su1,2 · Xiangyang Jing1,3 · Lin Zeng4 · Li Luo1 · Haiyan Wang1 · Rong Li1 · Hongbin Chi1 Received: 19 February 2025 / Accepted: 24 November 2025 © The Author(s) 2026 Abstract Objectives This study analyzed clinical pregnancy outcomes in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer with donor sperm (IVF-D) using different ovulation induction protocols, to provide reference data for selecting appropriate protocols. Methods Data from 1801 cycles in patients who underwent IVF-D in Peking University Third Hospital between June 2010 and June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Participants were divided into three groups based on the controlled ovarian hyperstimulation protocol: follicular-phase ultralong gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a), luteal-phase GnRHa long, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-ant) protocol groups. Results Significant differences were observed among the groups in gonadotropin (Gn) starting dose, Gn administration duration, total Gn dose, estradiol level on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration (hCG day), progesterone level on hCG day, luteinizing hormone level on hCG day, endometrial thickness on hCG day, and number of embryos transferred (p < 0.05) . We also found significant group differences in the number of eggs retrieved, two pronucleizygotes, and cleavages (p < 0.05), but not in high-quality embryos (p < 0.05). Clinical pregnancy and live birth rates significantly differed among the three groups (p < 0.05), whereas ectopic pregnancy, early miscarriage, and multiple pregnancy rates did not (p < 0.05) . Conclusion In fresh embryo transfer cycles, the GnRH-ant protocol required the shortest duration of Gn administration and lowest total Gn dose, whereas the GnRH-a long protocol had the highest clinical pregnancy rate. Therefore, the GnRH-along protocol is considered the preferred method for female patients who can undergo fresh transfers during IVF-D cycles. Keywords Donor sperm · In vitro fertilization-embryo transfer · Ovulation induction protocols · Fresh cycles · Pregnancy outcomes * Hongbin Chi[chihb@163.com](chihb@163.com) 1 Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49, North Garden Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China 2 Reproductive Medicine Center, Women and Infants Hospital of Zhengzhou, No. 41, Jinshui Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou 450000, China 3 Obstetrics Department, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, No. 36, Nanyingzi Street, Shuangqiao District, Chengde 067000, China 4 Clinical Epidemiology Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, No.49, North Garden Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China What does this study adds to the clinical work Infertility affects approximately 15% of the global population, with male factors contributing to a significant portion of cases. This study compares different ovulation induction protocols in IVF using donor sperm, providing valuable insights into their impact on clinical pregnancy outcomes. Introduction The incidence of infertility is increasing annually, affecting approximately 15% of the population of childbearing age. The “Infertility Prevalence Estimates (1990–2021)” report released by the World Health Organization [1] estimates that approximately 17.5% of adults (one-sixth of the population) worldwide are affected by infertility, with an increasing trend. Infertility has become a major public health problem. Approximately 30% of infertility cases are attributed to male factors. Among male infertility cases, azoospermia accounts for an estimated 10–15%, with various underly

FAQs

What was the objective of this study on IVF-D patients?

To analyze clinical pregnancy outcomes in IVF-D patients using different ovulation induction protocols and provide reference data for selecting appropriate protocols.

How were participants divided in the study?

Participants from 1801 IVF-D cycles were retrospectively grouped by the controlled ovarian hyperstimulation protocol: follicular-phase ultralong GnRH-a, luteal-phase GnRHa long, and GnRH-ant.

Which protocol showed the shortest Gn administration duration and lowest total Gn dose?

The GnRH-ant protocol required the shortest duration of Gn administration and the lowest total Gn dose in fresh embryo transfer cycles.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Emma Wilson