A prospective study of GnRH long agonist versus flexible GnRH antagonist protocol in PCOS: Indian experience

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common endocrine disorder of reproductive age women. Many controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) strategies have been offered for the treatment of patients with PCOS undergoing in vitro fertilization, but the optimal protocol is still a controversy. There is no compelling evidence for the advantage of one stimulation protocol over the other. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a single-center prospective controlled study comparing long agonist and antagonist protocol in PCOS women. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in live birth rate and clinical pregnancy rate. Rate of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome was significantly higher in the agonist group. Number of oocytes retrieved, number of follicles and peak estradiol levels were significantly more in the agonist group. CONCLUSION: The GnRH antagonist protocol is an equally effective but safer protocol in PCOS patients compared with the long agonist protocol.