In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a common procedure used to assist couples who have difficulty
conceiving a pregnancy. IVF is a process where oocytes (eggs) are retrieved from a woman's
ovaries and fertilized with sperm in the laboratory. In order to maximize the number of
oocytes that can be retrieved, a women undergoes ovarian stimulation with recombinant
follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Typically 6-20 oocytes are retrieved, but in some cases
there is a limited response to the stimulation, producing a limited number of oocytes. This
is called poor ovarian response.
This study is designed to objectively compare two treatment regimens currently advocated in
clinical practice, but never compared directly. The purpose is to assess ovarian response to
starting treatment at the end of the preceding cycle may increase the number of developing
oocytes.