OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of high doses of gonadotropins on IVF outcome in normal (intermediate) responders. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing IVF therapy from 1990 to 1994 at our institution. SETTING: Academic tertiary center. PATIENTS: A homogeneous group of women that consisted of intermediate responders examined in their initial attempt and who received differing amounts of gonadotropins were examined. INTERVENTIONS: All patients were stimulated using a combination of a GnRH-agonist and FSH and hMG and were allocated into two groups, based on the amount of gonadotropin administered initially (four or six ampules). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Implantation and pregnancy (clinical and ongoing) rates were compared. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between patients receiving high doses versus those patients receiving lower doses of gonadotropins with regard to implantation and pregnancy rates. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that high doses of gonadotropins have no detrimental effect on IVF outcome in normal (intermediate) responders.