Minimal stimulation protocol: a cheap and effective method of ovulation induction

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness and cost of Minimal Stimulation Protocol (MSP), a new combination of human menopausal gonadotrophin (hMG) and clomiphene citrate (CC), for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. METHOD: The ovulation rates, pregnancy rates, abortion rates and the cost of medication were assessed in respect of 67 women who underwent MSP. RESULTS: Ovulation rate in the study group was 82%, pregnancy rate 21% and multiple pregnancies 7%. Spontaneous abortion occurred in 36% of the pregnancies. The average cost of MSP stimulation was one-third of hMG protocol. CONCLUSION: MSP protocol, while substantially cheaper than hMG, gives comparable pregnancy rates with less need for monitoring and better patient comfort. These justify further evaluation of its role in the treatment of infertility.