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IVF protocols (long Vs short)
Long Protocol IVF Vs Short Protocol IVF.
What’s the difference?
Long protocol IVF
Also known as ‘AGONIST’ OR ‘down-regulation protocol’
With ‘long’ IVF protocol, you usually start injecting a GnRH Agonist approx. two weeks before your expected cycle begins (in the mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle). The purpose of this is to turn off the body’s production of reproductive hormones from the brain and to prevent premature ovulation later on in the IVF cycle (premature ovulation is when eggs are released into the body before they can be collected). About two weeks after the start of the GnRH Agonist, when your next cycle begins, you start Gonadotropin injections just like in the short ‘antagonist’ protocol below. You continue to take the GnRH Agonist as well, at a reduced dose. Both medications are continued until the trigger shot is given – the GnRH Agonist acting as the ‘brake’ and the Gonadotropins as the ‘accelerator’. The egg collection procedure is usually performed 36 hours after the trigger shot.
Short protocol IVF
Also known as ‘ANTAGONIST protocol’
With ‘short’ IVF protocol, you start injecting Gonadotropins at the start of your cycle to stimulate ovarian follicles to grow. Approximately four to six days later, you also start taking a GnRH antagonist to prevent all those follicles from ovulating. Once the follicles have reached their target size, either a GnRH agonist or hCG is used to trigger final egg maturation. It usually takes between eight and 12 days of Gonadotropins for the largest follicles to reach the correct size for trigger. The egg collection procedure is usually performed 36 hours after the trigger shot. This protocol is particularly useful for those at high risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
