ABSTRACT
The technique of in υitro fertilization (IVF), originally devised by Edwards and Steptoe,1 involves the combination of three major disciplines: reproductive endocrinology, surgery, and embryology2 A reproductive endocrinologist experienced in ovulation induction with an understanding of the underlying physiology of follicular development and oocyte maturation is indispensable.2 Successful use of methods of stimulation to insure the retrieval of multiple mature oocytes requires such knowledge for both drug or hormone administration and for patient monitoring to ensure retrieval of oocytes which are properly matured.2 After unsuccessfully using stimulated cycles for many years, Edwards and Steptoe were successful in achieving two normal births following IVF and embryo transfer (ET) of oocytes recovered during natural cycles.3,4 They have attributed the breakthrough success to the use of spontaneous, unstimulated cycles. They believed then, that ovarian hyperstimulation, particularly with human menopausal gonadotropins (hMG), caused “abnormal follicular steroid production and a derangement of the luteal phase”.4
