ABSTRACT

The aim of this study has been to compare a combined minimal stimulation protocol with clomiphene citrate (CC) plus recombinant FSH (recFSH) to the standard protocol using recFSH only.

In the study group (n=34), CC 100 mg/day, was used between the cycle days of three to seven, and recFSH was used on cycle days 5, 7, and 9 at a fixed dosage of 75 units. In the control group (n=31), 75 units of recFSH was started on cycle day 3, and dosage was adjusted to the ovarian response.

Total dose per treatment cycle was 225 units of recFSH in the study group, and 805.64±515.00 units of recFSH in the control group. The cost was significantly different between the groups (p<0.001). Three clinical pregnancies (8.8%) in the study group, and 2 clinical pregnancies (6.5%) in the control group were not statistically different.

Our study suggests that this protocol is as effective as standard recFSH protocol, and it has lower cost for patients and the clinic. However, in order to reach a final conclusion, more study is needed with higher number of patients.

Keywords: clomiphene citrate, recombinant FSH, minimal stimulation protocol, non IVF infertility treatment