Effects of gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonist (GNRHant) and oral progestin-primed protocol on oocyte count over the punctured follicle number in consecutive two cycles: A comparative study.

Objective: Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation plays a critical role in in vitro fertilization (IVF) success. However, premature luteinization and variations in oocyte yield can impact IVF outcomes. This comparative study aims to investigate the effects of gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonist (GNRHant) and oral progestin-primed protocol on the oocyte count over the punctured follicle number in the same patient group undergoing consecutive IVF cycles.

Materials and methods: Forty-nine patients undergoing IVF were enrolled in this comparative study. Each participant underwent two consecutive IVF cycles. In the first cycle, GNRHant protocol was used. In the second cycle, the OPP protocol was used. The number of punctured follicles and oocytes retrieved was recorded and compared between the two cycles for each patient.

Results: The ratio of oocyte count per punctured follicle number was higher in the OPP group compared to the GNRHant group, without clinical significance (p>0.05). In the OPP, the ratio of oocytes retrieved over the punctured follicle number was 0.90±0.28; in the GNRHant group, it was recorded as 0.94±0.36, and the differences between the ratios were statistically insignificant.

Conclusion: Oocyte yield is a critical determinant of IVF success, and it can be influenced by various factors, including premature luteinization and follicular development. The use of GNRHant and OPP is known to prevent premature luteinization and improve follicular synchronization. This study demonstrates that neither of the protocols is superior in the success of oocyte retrieval over the punctured follicle count. Further research with larger sample sizes and randomized controlled trials is warranted to validate these results, and optimize clinical application of this combined protocol in IVF treatments.