ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we shall review human ovarian physiology, clinical reproductive endocrinology, and their application for ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF). The chapter will focus on a practical clinical approach as used daily in a large IVF program. Clinical guidelines, as suggested by the National Collaborating Centre for Women’s and Children’s Health, commissioned by the U.K. National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), will be used throughout this chapter to highlight the evidence base for the basics of ovarian stimulation. Reference to other skills in clinical IVF ovarian stimulation will be directed to other chapters in this book. For example, the reader is referred to Chapters 2 and 3 (patient pre-treatment: testing ovarian reserve) for a practical approach to endocrine evaluation before IVF treatment.
