Shady Grove Fertility is introducing a new medication protocol that makes the IVF and egg freezing process more affordable, more comfortable, and less complex—while still delivering excellent outcomes. Now available across all SGF locations, the Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPA) protocol uses oral medications and requires fewer monitoring appointments, saving patients both time and money.
What is the MPA protocol?
The Medroxyprogesterone Acetate – or MPA protocol – is an alternative to the traditional GnRH antagonist protocol used during ovarian stimulation. Both protocols aim to prevent premature ovulation during the stimulation phase of an IVF or egg freezing cycle.
- Traditional GnRH antagonist protocols rely on injectable medications (GnRH antagonists) administered mid-stimulation to prevent a premature luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. Patients typically have 5-7 monitoring appointments.
- MPA protocols use an oral medication—Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (Provera)—instead of injections to achieve the same goal. Patients can expect 1-3 fewer monitoring appointments than the GnRH antagonist protocol.
Who is eligible?
MPA protocols are appropriate for patients who are:
- Undergoing egg freezing, or
- Pursuing IVF with a plan to freeze all embryos
- Not planning a fresh transfer in the same cycle as stimulation and egg retrieval
Why this change benefits patients
Adopting the MPA protocol delivers a better overall patient experience while maintaining the same high standards for clinical outcomes.
Benefits include:
- Same great outcomes. Multiple studies—including high-quality randomized controlled trials—show no difference in egg quality, embryo development, or pregnancy rates compared to antagonist protocols.
- Lower medication costs. On average, patients may save $2,500 per cycle.
- Fewer injections. Patients can expect ~7 fewer injections per cycle.
- Fewer clinic visits. With 1–3 fewer monitoring appointments, patients save time and reduce logistical stress.
- Simplified schedule. All medications are taken once daily in the evening, making the protocol easier to follow.
Backed by data
A growing body of peer-reviewed literature and SGF’s own internal data supports the use of MPA protocols as a safe, effective alternative for freeze-all cycles. Across patient groups, outcomes have been consistent with those seen in traditional antagonist protocols. While research on lower responders is ongoing, no safety concerns have emerged in this population.
What to expect with the MPA protocol
- Medication: Patients take 10 mg of oral MPA once daily in the evening, alongside standard gonadotropin injections.
- Trigger timing: MPA is continued until the night of the trigger injection.
- Monitoring: Follows standard protocols, with potential for fewer visits based on response.
- Flexibility: Compatible with most downregulation methods (OCPs, EPP, cold start) and trigger options (Lupron, hCG, or dual trigger).
At SGF, we’re committed to delivering exceptional outcomes while improving the overall patient experience. The MPA protocol reflects our ongoing effort to reduce cost and complexity in fertility treatment.
If you have questions about how the MPA protocol may benefit you or how it is implemented at your local SGF clinic, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Medical contribution by Kate Devine, M.D.
Kate Devine, M.D., FACOG, is board certified in obstetrics and genecology and reproductive endocrinology and infertility. She is active in fertility research, publishing on topics ranging from fibroids to egg freezing for fertility preservation. She continues her research goals and advancing those of Shady Grove Fertility as the director of research for the practice.
