A team from Dexeus Mujer, led by Dr Valeria Donno, conducted a study comparing two different strategies to induce follicular maturation before oocyte retrieval: the “dual trigger” (two injections: hCG + GnRH agonist) versus the exclusive use of the GnRH agonist. The study focused on good-prognosis patients who chose to undergo fertility preservation treatment.

The aim of the study was to determine whether there were differences in the number of mature oocytes—those truly relevant for freezing and for future treatments—when using the dual-trigger double injection compared to a single injection with a GnRH agonist.

The trial was conducted between October 2021 and April 2023 and included a total of 109 women. The patients were ≤40 years old, had an antral follicle count <20, and an anti-Müllerian hormone level ≤3 ng/mL. The results showed no significant differences in the total number of oocytes or in the number of mature oocytes between the two groups. No differences were observed in hormone levels the day after the trigger. No cases of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome were recorded in either group.

The authors conclude that the “dual trigger” does not offer advantages over the exclusive use of the GnRH agonist in terms of mature oocytes. Therefore, the use of the GnRH agonist should be considered sufficient for inducing oocyte maturation prior to follicular puncture in good-prognosis patients undergoing ovarian stimulation for oocyte freezing.