In vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) therapy for subfertile couples has become widespread. However, it has been reported that high frequency uterine contractions at the time of embryo transfer influence adversely IVF-ET outcome. This article focuses on the methods of administration of shakuyakukanzoto combined with ET for subfertile women. 186 patients who underwent IVF-ET were recruited. 94 women undergoing IVF were randomly assigned to ET with shakuyakukanzoto for 4 days or 92 with no treatment. Background characteristics (age, number of embryo transferred, quality, and luteal function) were similar in the two groups. Pregnancy rate was 33.0% in the shakuyakukanzoto group as compared with 20.7% in the nontreated group. The increased pregnancy rate with shakuyakukanzoto compared with no treated was significant. However, the precise mechanism to explain for the results of this investigation remains to be unclear. Therefore, further research might be necessary to evaluate the effect of shakuyakukanzoto, at the time of ET.
Encounter due to In vitro fertilization ; shakuyaku-kanzoh-toh ; Embryo Transfer ; Shakuyaku ; Combined

The long agonistic protocol for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) is effective and used most often, thus is considered the gold standard. Therefore any new regimen has to be compared in its results with those obtained with the long protocol. This report compares the efficacy of GnRH agonist and antagonist in a retrospective study of IVF/ICSI carried out in a tertiary teaching hospital from 2003 to 2006. Only the first COH cycle followed by IVF-ICSI from 200 couples (agonist = 120 and antagonist = 80) were analysed. The end points studied included the number of oocytes recovered, number of mature (MII) oocytes, fertilization, cleavage, morphology based embryo quality, pregnancy rate, quantity and cost of gonadotrophin. The average age of female subjects was 35.1 +/- 4.7 years with 50% being 35 years and above. Major infertility factors were tubal blockage, male factor and endometriosis altogether comprising 68%. GnRH agonist and antagonist cycle parameters were comparable except lesser amount of gonadotrophin was used with lower resultant costs (both p < 0.0005) in antagonistic regime. Antagonist regime produce somewhat more good quality embryos (p = 0.065), an insignificant difference. A clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer of 16.3% in agonist and 20.6% in antagonist regime was achieved respectively. In conclusion, GnRH antagonist protocol produced a COH response, embryonic development and pregnancy rates on par to GnRH agonist regime. Moreover GnRH antagonist protocol required a shorter stimulation period plus fewer complications. Hence GnRH antagonist regime provided means for a friendlier, convenient and cost effective protocol for patients.
Gonadorelin ; Protocols documentation ; Pregnancy ; Encounter due to In vitro fertilization ; Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic

All cycles of IVF with pituitary down-regulation (n = 57) done at the Damansara Fertility Centre in the year 2000 were studied. All the 57 patients had controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, either using Metrodin HP (n = 27) or Gonal-F (n = 30). Of these, 53 patients reached oocyte pick-up, 26 patients in Metrodin HP group and 27 patients in Gonal-F group. Gonal-F resulted in a higher clinical pregnancy rate of 66.6% compared to Metrodin HP 38.5% (p < 0.05). The live birth rate tends to be higher in Gonal-F group (40.7%) compared to Metrodin HP (30.8%), (p > 0.05).
HP ; Metrodin ; Gonal F ; Encounter due to In vitro fertilization ; Lower case en