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Reduced In Vitro Fertilization of Human Oocytes Correlates with Raised Circulating FSH Levels During Ovarian Stimulation in Normogonadotropic Women Downregulated with GnRH-Analogues

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Abstract

Purpose: The possible effects of circulating FSH levels as used during IVF treatment on oocyte maturation and subsequent preembryo development were evaluated.

Methods: Serum levels of FSH and LH on days 1 and 8 of ovarian stimulation and on the day of oocyte retrieval (OR) were correlated with subsequent preembryo development in vitro. After pituitary downregulation, 244 normogonadotropic women followed a fixed protocol for the first 7 days of stimulation.

Results: The average FSH concentration on day 8 of stimulation was 11.5 IU/L and exceeded the expected midcycle surge of FSH by more than 25%. In contrast, levels of LH were below an average of 2 IU/L throughout the stimulation period. The concentration of FSH on day 8 and on the day of OR showed a significant inverse correlation with cleavage rate, whereas levels of LH, age, and body mass index showed no such correlation.

Conclusions: Supraphysiologic levels of FSH seems to affect oocyte maturation negatively. Premature resumption of meiosis, leading to retrieval of postmature oocytes with a reduced developmental potential, is suggested as the underlying mechanism.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Center for Children, Women and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Section 5712, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark

    Claus Yding Andersen & Anne Grete Byskov

  2. The Fertility Clinic, Odense University Hospital, DK-5000, Odense, Denmark

    Lars G. Westergaard & Karin Erb

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  1. Claus Yding Andersen
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  2. Lars G. Westergaard
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  3. Anne Grete Byskov
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  4. Karin Erb
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Andersen, C.Y., Westergaard, L.G., Byskov, A.G. et al. Reduced In Vitro Fertilization of Human Oocytes Correlates with Raised Circulating FSH Levels During Ovarian Stimulation in Normogonadotropic Women Downregulated with GnRH-Analogues. J Assist Reprod Genet 14, 581–588 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022528617732

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022528617732

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