What is the difference between short and long IVF protocols?

An IVF protocol starts with hormonal stimulation. This is the administration of certain hormonal drugs, resulting in the maturation of not a single but a larger number of eggs in the ovaries. However, stimulation can take place in different ways.

In IVF, fertility specialists can use long or short ovulation stimulation protocols. Today we are going to talk more about their differences.

As the name implies, the main difference between the protocols is their duration.

A short IVF protocol

It starts simultaneously with the menstrual cycle and takes no more than three weeks. The protocol immediately starts with the stimulation of superovulation and administering antagonist drugs. It is convenient because it is easy to restrain premature ovulation.

It is recommended in the case of:

– polycystic ovarian syndrome

– reduced ovarian reserve

– long protocol inefficiency.

A long IVF protocol

It starts on the 20-21st day of the menstrual cycle and takes no more than a month. At the start of the protocol, the production of hormones in the hypophysis is suppressed (regulatory phase), and only then does the stimulation of superovulation start.

It is recommended in the case of:

– endometriosis

– hysteromyoma

– poor quality of eggs obtained in a short protocol.

Unlike a short protocol, a long one is more convenient for controlling the situation. If necessary, the doctor can painlessly postpone the puncture or embryo transfer date by 1–2 days.

Short and long protocols are the most common ovulation stimulation schemes, but there are others. For example, a super short protocol and an ultralong one. It is essential to understand that the choice of protocol is always an individual moment. The doctor selects it based on the examination results, past medical history and previous IVF attempts (if any).

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