Received March 25, 2002
Accepted April 11, 2002

Background:The GnRHa are used for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in women undergoing IVF.Many benefits are described but the most important is the increase in the pregnancy rates.Moreover, several GnRHa have been developed.The aim of our study was to compare the efficacy and safety of two different GnRHa, used for pituitary suppression in IVF cycles. Methods:A total of 292patients using Goserelin(group 1) and 167 using Leuprolide acetate(group 2), were compared.AII patients had long protocol and the same stimulation protocol. Suppression was confirmed when serum estradiol (E) leveIs were <30pg/mL and the ultrasound showed an endometrial thickness of <3mm. Patients were superovulated with human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG). Oocyte retrieval was performed ≈34hours after hCG injection. Results:The time taken to achieve down regulation was similar. The mean number of ampoules used for superovulation was higher in group I, however, this difference was observed only for patients >40years old that started GnRHa in the follicular phase.There was no difference between the two groups in the duration of superovulation, in the number of follicles aspirated and the number of oocytes retrieved. ln the group of patients with >40years the incidence of ovarian cysts was higher in group 2. Conclusions:Both routes of GnRHa have similar effects for pituitary suppression and ovulation induction in assisted reproductive treatment.Therefore the long acting GnRHa is an excellent option, as only a single subcutaneous dose is necessary, decreasing the risk of the patient to forget its use and, most important, it does not interfere in the patient's quality of life.