Effect of oocyte retrieval from a small leading follicle in fixed-schedule in vitro fertilization program.
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.
Nagai
S
S
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamanashi Medical University, Japan.
Yasumizu
T
T
Kasai
T
T
Hirata
S
S
Mizuno
K
K
Kato
J
J
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
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D004958:Estradiol; D008596:Menotropins