Oocyte and embryo quality in patients with excessive ovarian response during in vitro fertilization treatment

J Assist Reprod Genet. 2003 May;20(5):186-91. doi: 10.1023/a:1023670010031.

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined oocyte and embryo quality in patients having excessive ovarian responses during assisted reproduction treatment.

Methods: Two hundred and seventy-eight women of age <40 years using a long protocol of pituitary downregulation in their first intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycle indicated for severe male factors were retrospectively evaluated. Those with serum estradiol concentration on the day of HCG <10,000, 10,000-20,000, and >20,000 pmol/L were classified into Group A, Group B, and Group C, respectively.

Results: The percentage of metaphase II oocytes (85%), fertilization rate (60-66%), and distribution of blastomere number per embryo were similar among the three groups. The proportion of transferable embryos was not reduced in Group C when compared to those of Groups A and B.

Conclusion: Excessive ovarian response does not compromise oocyte and embryo quality in humans. Freezing of all embryos is recommended in these patients in view of associated impaired endometrial receptivity.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blastomeres / physiology
  • Embryo Transfer
  • Embryo, Mammalian / physiology*
  • Estradiol / blood
  • Female
  • Fertilization in Vitro / methods*
  • Humans
  • Metaphase
  • Oocytes / cytology*
  • Ovary / physiology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic / methods

Substances

  • Estradiol