No detrimental effects in delaying initiation of gonadotropin administration after pituitary desensitization with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist

Objective: To determine if delaying initiation of exogenous gonadotropin administration after pituitary desensitization with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) is a realistic option to avoid scheduling clinical and laboratory work on weekends/holidays. Design, Patients: A review of 57 in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles in which, after pituitary desensitization with GnRH-a, initiation of gonadotropin administration were delayed in an attempt to avoid off-hour work. Thirty-eight IVF cohort cycles served as control. Setting: Tertiary medical center. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in ovarian response, dose of gonadotropin required, oocytes and embryos obtained, pregnancy rates, and abortion rates between groups. Eighty-three percent of the delayed cycles had clinical and laboratory work that fell within weekdays. Conclusion: Delaying initiation of exogenous gonadotropin administration after pituitary desensitization had no detrimental effects on IVF outcomes. It may be used to avoid scheduling work on weekends/holidays.