An oocyte donation protocol using the GnRH antagonist ganirelix acetate, does not compromise embryo quality and is associated with high pregnancy rates

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of the GnRH antagonist, ganirelix acetate, on oocyte quality. Methods: Stimulation characteristics, implantation rates and clinical pregnancy rates were compared between 29 oocyte donors 21-31 years of age who underwent 31 cycles of ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins and ganirelix acetate, and 36 infertile couples of similar age range who underwent 51 cycles of ovarian stimulation using the same protocol. Results: A significantly lower number of embryos were transferred in the donor/recipient group as compared to the infertile group (2.32±0.54 vs. 2.82±0.71, P<0.05). In contrast, implantation and clinical pregnancy rates per transfer, were significantly higher in the donor/recipient group (38.1% vs. 10.4%, P<0.01) and (61.3% vs. 23.1%, P<0.05) respectively, as compared to the infertile group. Conclusions: Incorporation of ganirelix acetate for pituitary suppression in stimulation protocols for oocyte donation is associated with high pregnancy rates suggesting that ganirelix acetate does not exert an adverse effect on oocyte or embryo quality.