Ovulation induction for assisted reproduction

Pharmacological induction of multiple follicular growth in the ovaries for subsequent oocyte retrieval in IVF or ICSI programs. Per ESHRE 2023 and SEGO 2024, first-line are recombinant gonadotropins (follitropin alfa, follitropin beta, corifollitropin alfa). Before starting, assess ovarian reserve (AMH, AFC) and choose a GnRH antagonist or agonist protocol. Target: 8–15 oocytes; below this is poor response, above this risks ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

ICD-10 N971 drug

Also known as: Controlled ovarian stimulation, COS, Ovarian stimulation

Drugs used for this condition

AFollitropin alfaFirst line · Recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)Stimulation of multiple follicular growth for IVF and ICSI in women. Per ESHRE 2023 and SEGO 2024 – a standard option. Individualized dose: start 150–225 IU/day subcutaneously, adjust by ultrasound monitoring of follicle size and estradiol. Trigger with hCG or GnRH agonist when ≥3 follicles ≥17 mm. In men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and impaired spermatogenesis – 150 IU three times weekly combined with hCG for 4–12 months.

How to read tiers A–F

Evidence tiers belong to the drug-indication pair, not to the drug as a whole: the same substance can be A for one condition and F for another.

AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
BRecommended in selected cases
CStudy data contradict each other
DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit