Antral follicle counting in predicting the retrieved oocyte number after ovarian hyperstimulation

Purpose: To evaluate the antral follicle (AF) counting in predicting the outcome after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) and IVF-ET: Methods: Infertile women who accepted the COH and IVF-ET were included prospectively Day-3 AF number was determined by transvaginal sonography. They were divided into three groups: Group 1: less than or equal to3 AF; Group 2: 4-10 AF; Group 3: greater than or equal to 11 AF. Retrieval oocyte number, embryo number, pregnancy rate (PR), and implantation rate (IR) of the three groups were compared. Results: A total of 372 cycles were included. Patients in Groups 1, 2, and 3 were statistically different in age (35.3 vs. 31.9 vs. 28.5), Day-3 FSH (14.3 vs. 5.9 vs. 4.1), cancellation (34.4% vs. 2.7% vs. 0.9%), gonadotropin dosage, retrieval oocyte number (2.9 vs. 8.2 vs. 14.5), embryo number (2.2 vs 6.5 vs. 11.7), PR (11.1% vs. 34.6% vs 35.0%, and IR (3.0% vs. 8.2% vs. 8.9%). Conclusions: Patients with less than or equal to3 AF have a significantly higher cancellation rate, fewer retrieved oocyte number, and lower PR. Combination of AF counting and basal FSH level increased the sensitivity in predicting the ovarian reserve. Retrieved oocyte number could be predicted by the formula: oocyte = 0.802 x AF + 2.01.