Is there a carryover effect of mild ovarian hyperstimulation with gonadotropins on the subsequent cycle?

Objective: To investigate the effect of mild ovarian hyperstimulation on hormonal and sonographic variables of the subsequent natural cycle.

Design: Prospective study of three consecutive cycles.

Setting: University Hospital, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Patients: Twelve couples with subnormal semen as the only identifiable cause of subfertility.

Interventions: Subjects were offered IUI for three cycles. In the second cycle, mild ovarian hyperstimulation with 75 IU IM hMG was applied daily and ovulation was induced with 5,000 IU hCG. In the first and third both natural cycles, serum samples were obtained for hormone measurements and ultrasound (US) scanning of the ovaries was performed.

Main Outcome Measure: To determine whether there was a carryover effect of mild ovarian hyperstimulation as applied in the second cycle, hormone levels and US scans of cycle 3 were compared with those of cycle 1.

Results: None of the variables of cycle 3 were significantly different from those of cycle 1.

Conclusion: Because hormonal and sonographic variables in the subsequent natural cycle remain unchanged, a carryover effect of mild ovarian hyperstimulation with gonadotropins seems unlikely.