title: Effect of oocyte retrieval from a small leading follicle in fixed-schedule in vitro fertilization program.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the propriety of oocyte retrieval (OR) form a small leading follicle during a fixed-schedule in vitro fertilization (IVF) program.
  
  
  METHODS
  OR was fixed only to take place on Wednesdays. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment was initiated on the first day of the cycle, human menopausal gonadotrophin was given for 7 days starting on the next Monday, and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) was given on the Tuesday before the OR. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the follicular size observed before the day of hCG administration: Group 1 (141 cycles), with follicles > 16 mm in mean diameter; and Group 2 (38 cycles) with follicles of 10 to 16 mm in mean diameter.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fertilization rates and the incidence of mature oocytes were higher in Group 1 than in Group 2. However, the mean number of oocytes recovered and pregnancy rates were similar in the 2 groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is worthwhile to retrieve the oocyte from a small leading follicle in a fixed-schedule IVF program.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamanashi Medical University, Japan.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nagai
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yasumizu
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kasai
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hirata
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mizuno
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kato
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D008596:Menotropins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008875:Middle Aged; D009865:Oocytes; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000166:cytology*; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D004958:Estradiol; D008596:Menotropins