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IVF Chances Increased with 18-20 Eggs

There has been a longstanding question in reproductive medicine: “How many eggs does it take to maximize IVF success?” There has been the desire to find the “sweet spot,” the appropriate balance between success and safety.

A recent dissertation from the Sahlgrenska Academy in Sweden showed that the likelihood of childbirth following IVF increases if 18 to 20 oocytes are collected. The fact is, however, IVF clinics do not collect 18-20 eggs in most of their infertility patients (with an average number of eggs being in the 10-15 range). This suggests, of course, that more than one IVF stimulation cycle, with oocyte or embryo cryopreservation, may be necessary to achieve such success.

Some previous investigations involving fresh embryo transfers have suggested the optimal “egg count” in IVF is approximately 10 eggs with greater ovarian stimulation thought to increase side effects and complications, including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Further, these studies have not included subsequent frozen-thawed embryo transfer success.

The present study analyzed data from the national Swedish registry from 2002 -2015 and looked at the relationship between the number of eggs collected, cumulative delivery rates and serious complications. The findings included that cumulative IVF success increased up to 18-20 eggs and then leveled off and that the risks of complications remained relatively low at this same number of eggs, increasing at higher numbers.

These results can serve as the basis for how ovarian stimulation in the IVF setting may be better designed in the future to achieve just the right balance between efficacy and safety.

Have you been trying to conceive without success? Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Loy or another of CRM Orlando's fertility doctors.

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