Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of using only mild ovarian stimulation protocols for in vitro fertilization. Both groups with decreased and normal ovarian reserve were evaluated.
Methods: Three different mild stimulation protocols were evaluated: natural with no exogenous follicle stimulation hormone (FSH) drugs at all, natural with a boost of low dose FSH to complete follicular maturation, and minimal stimulation with low dose (75-150IU) FSH from day 3-5 of the menstrual cycle. Ethinyl estradiol was sometimes used to lower high day 3 serum FSH.
Results: Good pregnancy and implantation rates were found even in those women with elevated serum FSH that could only generate one follicle.
Conclusions: Mild ovarian stimulation seems preferable to high dose FSH regimens in women with elevated day 3 serum FSH based on previous poor reported pregnancy rates with the latter protocols. Comparable pregnancy rates to high dose regimen were seen in women with normal egg reserve at much lower risk and cost.