Back to glossary

Fertility Glossary

Long protocol

An IVF plan starting with down-regulation before stimulation.

Medicines & protocols

In a long protocol, a GnRH agonist is started in the cycle before stimulation, often around day 21, and continues until the trigger. It gives a high degree of cycle control and is still used in endometriosis and some other situations, but it involves more days of injections than the antagonist approach.

Also known as: long down-regulation protocol, agonist protocol

Sources

  • ESHRE guidelines and patient information

Last reviewed: 8 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.

Explore in-depth guides

Learn more with Antega's fertility guides and articles.