Advances in the Clinical Use of Luteal Phase Ovulation Regimens
Since 1998, when Rombauts first reported the success of luteal phase ovulation in obtaining mature oocytes, this protocol has become an important tool in reproductive medicine. Initially, it was used for emergency fertility preservation in patients with malignant tumors, and its rapid oocyte acquisition properties bought valuable time for cancer treatment. In recent years, as the proportion of patients with low ovarian reserve (DOR) and low ovarian response (POR) has risen and the efficacy of traditional ovulation regimens has been limited, luteal phase ovulation has become increasingly advantageous and continues to be used to optimize clinical outcomes through technological innovations. I. Theoretical basis of luteal phase ovulation induction According to traditional theory, there is only one follicular recruitment wave in a single menstrual cycle. However, Baerwald et al. revealed that there can be 2-3 follicular waves in a woman’s menstrual cycle, including the follicular ovulation wave and the luteal phase non-ovulation wave. The dominant follicle in the luteal phase is atretic due to inhibition of gonadotropin (Gn) secretion by the hyperestrogenic environment. Application of exogenous follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) reverses this atresia process, while high estrogen levels or exogenous trigger drugs in the luteal phase still induce luteinizing hormone (LH) peaks, which is the core mechanism of ovulation promotion in the luteal phase. The maturity of embryo freezing and thawing technology further guarantees the developmental potential of embryos obtained from this program. Advantages of Clinical Application for Specific Population Groups Patients with low ovarian response (POR) and low reserve (DOR) Comparison of traditional regimens: Li et al. found that the luteal phase ovulation group had a significantly higher number of eggs (3.2±1.5 vs. 2.1±1.2), a higher rate of high-quality embryos (45% vs. 32%) than the microstimulation regimen, and a 40% reduction in cycle cancellation rate. Breakthrough in dual-stimulation regimen: consecutive follicular phase + luteal phase ovulation…