Economic impact of antagonist protocol vs primed progesterone protocol in oocyte donor program A retrospective study

Abstract Objective: To assess the cost-effectiveness of two ovarian stimulation procedures comparing the use of FSH antagonists with the use of FSH primed progesterone protocol in a oocyte donor program. Design: Calculation of cost-effectiveness ratios (costs per outcome achieved) from clinical practices using a retrospective cohort single university center study carried out from 2012 to 2021. Main Outcome Measure(s): Cost-effectiveness ratios as cost per mature oocyte and cost per treatment. Result(s): According to the economic analysis, ovarian stimulation with FSH antagonist protocol increased the overall cost of the treatment as well as the cost per retrieved and effective oocyte. The cost of gonadotrophins per mature oocyte retrieved was 49.27 ± 17.94 € and the cost of medication per mature oocyte retrieved was 59.26± 28.01 € . In the FSH primed progesterone group, the cost of gonadotrophins per mature oocyte retrieved was 44.67 ± 16.65€ and the cost of medication per mature oocyte retrieved was 44.91 ± 20.86€ Conclusion(s): Cost-effectiveness is a compelling reason for an egg donation program. Progestins can present an effective and less expensive option for egg donation programs in terms of cost.