Natural cycle IVF with and without terminal HCG: learning from failed cycles.

Natural cycle IVF, without the use of LH down-regulation, is difficult because women start spontaneous LH surges at any time of the day and on any day of the week. This is not readily compatible with delivery of a routine IVF service and so historically the natural cycle has been modified by the use of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) to make the natural cycle fit convenient clinical practice. This report re-evaluates data collected some years ago and seeks to determine whether the use of HCG is ultimately beneficial.

Optimizing assisted reproduction: impact of low-dose gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist on in vitro fertilization outcome.

A novel method of assessing factors that could benefit in vitro fertilization outcome is illustrated by comparison of a low (250 microg) with a standard (500 microg) dose of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, revealing a small decrease in cancellation rates.

Stimulated intrauterine insemination: efficient, cost-effective, safe?

A retrospective report of pregnancy and birth rates achieved in 1010 cycles of stimulated intrauterine insemination (SIUI). Over the years there has been an increasing emphasis on safety, particularly towards reducing the number of high order multiple pregnancies. SIUI is a complex form of assisted conception and requires a high level of clinical judgement to maintain an optimal balance between maximising pregnancy and birth rates and minimising complications, of which the most serious is multiple pregnancy.