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Background. For many patients, the typical treatment protocol for in vitro fertilization (IVF) is both physically and psychologically demanding. An alternative approach to use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-agonists traditionally used to prevent premature ovulation, is use of GnRH-antagonists. The aim of this article is to describe advantages and disadvantages of using GnRH-antagonists in IVF. Material and methods. The paper is based on literature identified through a non-systematic search in PubMed, and more than ten years of clinical experience with use of GnRH antagonists in IVF. Results. To maintain a similar pregnancy rate as that with GnRH-agonists, one can use GnRH-antagonists at an earlier time-point during stimulation of the ovaries and a lower dose of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). A less intensive stimulation implies a lower risk of complications and side effects and a shorter treatment period before egg collection (from four-five weeks to less than two weeks). The main disadvantage of the GnRH-antagonist protocol is that ovarian stimulation cannot be programmed to the same extent as that with use of a GnRH-agonist. Interpretation. Stimulation with a GnRH-antagonist instead of a GnRH-agonist in IVF, is less physically and psychologically demanding for the patients and maintains the same birth rate.

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