A prospective evaluation of antral follicle function in women with 46,XX spontaneous primary ovarian insufficiency.

Objective: To assess ovarian follicle function in women with 46,XX spontaneous primary ovarian insufficiency.

Design: Case-control with nested prospective cohort.

Setting: Clinical Research Center, National Institutes of Health.

Luteal supplementation in in vitro fertilization: more questions than answers.

Objective: To update clinicians on different regimens of luteal phase supplementation in IVF-stimulated cycles and to identify areas that need further research in this subject.

Design: Literature review and critical analysis of published studies on luteal phase supplementation during the last 20 years.

Conclusion(s): Luteal phase supplementation in IVF-stimulated cycles, both in gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist and antagonist protocols, is considered an essential requirement for optimal success rates.

Optimal stimulation protocols for in vitro fertilization.

Objective: To update clinicians on different gonadotropin regimens for ovarian stimulation for IVF including the use of urinary and recombinant gonadotropins, the value of added LH to FSH in the stimulation regimen, the use of GnRH agonists and antagonists, and the role of minimal stimulation protocols.

Design: Literature review and critical analysis of major articles during the last five years on ovarian stimulation for IVF.

Conclusion(s): Urinary and recombinant gonadotropins, for ovarian stimulation for IVF, are probably equally safe and effective.