Currently, the standard protocol calls for the patient to begin Lupron injections starting one week prior to the menstrual period and to then add Gonadotropin injections to the Lupron for a period of six to ten days until egg maturity occurs. This standard protocol usually consists of a minimum of 21 injections and the use of approximately 25 to 35 ampoules of Gonadotropin. The protocol typically costs between $2000 and $3000.

The new protocol combines the oral medication Clomid with Gonadotropin injections given on alternate days. Instead of receiving Lupron injections, the patient takes birth control pills for three weeks prior to beginning treatment with Clomid and Gonadotropin. The patient usually receives no more than five injections of Gonadotropin during the course of stimulation. In addition to fewer injections, the protocol requires much less monitoring with sonograms and blood tests, which also makes the patient's life easier. Our initial experience with this protocol indicates that egg production as well as fertilization rates and pregnancy rates are very similar to those seen when using the standard treatment regimens.

The new European protocol costs significantly less than the traditional IVF protocol. The Clomid costs no more than $100 and the Gonadotropin (16 to 20 ampoules) should cost a maximum of $1200. Therefore, the European protocol may be a great advantage for certain patients, especially those who are low responders or who are prevented from having IVF treatment because they are unable to afford the required medication.