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

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.