DuoStim IVF: Dual Ovarian Stimulation in a Single Menstrual Cycle

DuoStim (double stimulation in the same ovarian cycle) is an innovative IVF protocol designed specifically for patients with poor ovarian reserve, diminished oocyte counts, or low response to medication.

Unlike traditional IVF protocols where patients undergo a single round of ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval per menstrual cycle, in the DuoStim protocol patients complete two rounds of ovarian stimulation and two egg retrievals in the exact same menstrual cycle.

The DuoStim protocol takes advantage of modern reproductive science showing that ovaries recruit multiple waves (waves) of follicles throughout each month, rather than just one single cohort. After the first egg retrieval (follicular phase), a second round of stimulation begins just days later (luteal phase), enabling a second retrieval in the same cycle.

Published clinical data indicates that on average, women develop 1 to 2 more mature follicles during the second stimulation phase compared to the first phase.

In a landmark study conducted by Vaiarelli A. and colleagues evaluating 100 poor-prognosis patients undergoing DuoStim IVF:

• Both stimulation phases produced eggs of equivalent quality and fertilization ability.
• The second stimulation increased the percentage of patients obtaining at least one euploid (genetically normal) blastocyst from 42.3% to 65.5%.
• The cumulative live birth rate rose from 7% after the first retrieval to 15% after DuoStim.
• The dropout rate was dramatically reduced compared to conventional back-to-back IVF cycles (where 81% of unsuccessful patients failed to return for a second cycle).
• Overall, the rate of patients securing one or more euploid blastocysts for transfer increased from 14% with conventional stimulation to 31% with DuoStim.

Because the second stimulation takes place during the luteal phase, all embryos obtained via DuoStim are vitrified (frozen) and transferred in a subsequent Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) cycle when the uterine lining is optimal.

At VCRM, we have created a special pricing package to significantly offset costs compared to purchasing two separate standalone IVF cycles, making DuoStim an accessible and cost-effective pathway for low-responder patients.