Ovarian stimulation

Echographic image of a stimulated ovary

The therapeutic performance of IVF-ET is closely related to the number of zygotes obtained, and this number depends on how many oocytes are harvested in the cycle. Therefore, ovarian stimulationMedical treatment designed to stimulate the ovaries, the follicular growth and development. This treatment usually allows several oocytes to become mature. is essential. Various protocols and active substances have been used to date (clomiphene citrate, HMGHuman menopausal gonodatrophin. Mixture of hormones derived from the urine of postmenopausal women, and then purified and treated for infertility treatment. The HMG contains follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)., FSHFollicle stimulating hormone. Hormone secreted by the pituitary stimulating in the woman the growth of follicles inside the ovary and in the man the development of spermatozoa. purified, recombinant FSHFollicle stimulating hormone. Hormone secreted by the pituitary stimulating in the woman the growth of follicles inside the ovary and in the man the development of spermatozoa., agonists or antagonists of GnRH): they all attempt to obtain an optimal number of mature oocytes.

In most cases, a long protocol, with a pituitaryEndocrine gland at the base of the brain which secretes hormones (FSH, LH) essential for reproductive function. blockage by a GnRH analogue in the second phase of the cycle, and a stimulationOvarian stimulation. Medical treatment designed to stimulate the ovaries, the follicular growth and development. This treatment usually allows several oocytes to become mature. by gonadotropins in the next cycle, is used. Other protocols are reserved for special cases such as patients who show hyper-or hypo-responses to hormonesSubstances secreted by the endocrine glands. Hormones act as chemical messengers for regulating metabolic processes throughout the body.. The specific characteristics of the chosen treatment are presented by the doctor before any stimulationOvarian stimulation. Medical treatment designed to stimulate the ovaries, the follicular growth and development. This treatment usually allows several oocytes to become mature.. There is no routine protocol and the reasons for choosing a particular protocol are explained to the patients according to their specific clinical situation.

To stimulate the ovariesTwo glands the size of a plum (3-5 cm), located on either side of the uterus, where the eggs are located. The ovaries produce the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. and the production of several eggs, two drugs are currently used.

• A LHRHSee gonadotropin releasing hormone . analogue (Decapeptyl ®) blocks the synthesis of the pituitaryEndocrine gland at the base of the brain which secretes hormones (FSH, LH) essential for reproductive function. gonadotropins (FSHFollicle stimulating hormone. Hormone secreted by the pituitary stimulating in the woman the growth of follicles inside the ovary and in the man the development of spermatozoa., LHLuteinizing hormone. Hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, triggering on the one hand the expulsion of the ovum by the mature follicle and stimulating on the other hand the production of progesterone by the corpus luteum.) and induces a blockage of the natural cycle. The daily administration by subcutaneousUnder the skin. injections usually starts at 20-23rd day of the cycle and continues until the ovulation inductionInduction of ovulation. Ovulation can be triggered by exogenous hormones, administered by injection, for example by HCG. Sometimes the term induction of ovulation is also used as a synonym for ovarian stimulation. during the next cyle (about 20-25 days total).
• A follicleFluid-filled sac in the ovary containing and nourishing the egg during its maturation. During ovulation, the follicle bursts and releases the egg.-stimulating hormone (FSHFollicle stimulating hormone. Hormone secreted by the pituitary stimulating in the woman the growth of follicles inside the ovary and in the man the development of spermatozoa., Gonal-F ®, Puregon ®), administered daily by injection under the skin, induces the growth of ovarian follicles (ovarian stimulationMedical treatment designed to stimulate the ovaries, the follicular growth and development. This treatment usually allows several oocytes to become mature.) and oocyteA female reproductive cell. At birth, the ovaries contain 1 to 2 million oocytes. At puberty, there are no more than 400'000 to 500'000 left. Only 400 to 500 will reach maturity and ovulation at a rate of  one per month until menopause. All the others will finally degenerate at various stages of development. maturation. The growth of these follicles is monitored by ultrasound (see photo) and blood tests of hormonesSubstances secreted by the endocrine glands. Hormones act as chemical messengers for regulating metabolic processes throughout the body..