Study finds direct correlation between number of eggs at retrieval and pregnancy rate among women above 40

Authors compared the number of eggs at oocyte retrieval and the clinical pregnancy rate in all our fresh stimulated cycles between August 2010 and December 2012. The number of eggs at retrieval were divided as follows: 1–4 eggs, 5 to 9 eggs, 10–14 eggs, 15–19 eggs, >20 eggs. Data was subdivided based on age less than 35, age 35-39, and age 40 and over.

A total of 1615 consecutive stimulated fresh IVF cycle starts that resulted in retrieval of at least one egg were analyzed. In women age less than 35 (n=590), the clinical pregnancy rate was optimal (≥44%) when there were at least 10 eggs at retrieval. For women with 1–4 eggs at retrieval it was 30.8% and for 5–9 eggs it was 36.2%. In women age 35–39 (n=543), optimal pregnancy rates (34.8%) were achieved with 5–9 eggs at retrieval. Less than 5 eggs significantly reduced the pregnancy rate (15.6%) whereas more than 10 eggs yielded pregnancy rates between 28 and 29%. In women over 40 (n=482), authors found a stepwise improvement in pregnancy rates with increased number of eggs at retrieval (1–4: 11%, 5–9: 21%, 10–14: 26%, 15–19: 33%).

In women 40 and over, there is a direct correlation between the number of eggs at retrieval and pregnancy rate whereas in women age less than 35 there was no improvement in pregnancy rates beyond 10 eggs. Interestingly, in women age 35 to 39, a modest number of eggs at retrieval (5–9) is associated with the best outcomes.

Source: S. Ouhilal, H. Lachgar, N. Mahutte. Montreal Fertility Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada;

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