ABSTRACT
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a female reproductive technology and involves several steps. First, women normally undergo controlled hyperovulation, which produces more than the usual single mature egg per menstrual cycle. IVF was developed to treat infertility due to blocked fallopian tubes, but it is also used to overcome male-factor and idiopathic infertility as well as infertility related to endometriosis. Patients with tubal or idiopathic infertility have the best prognosis after IVF. Initially natural ovulatory cycles were used for IVF. However, the advantages of hyperovulation soon became apparent. A development in hyperovulation has been the introduction of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and antagonists. Ultrasound and testing of concentrations of the hormone estradiol in the blood are used to monitor hyperovulation. When GnRH agonists are used for hyperovulation, luteal phase defects are more common, and luteal support is of benefit.
