FSH dose is negatively correlated with number of oocytes retrieved: analysis of a data set with ~650,000 ART cycles that previously identified an inverse relationship between FSH dose and live birth rate.

PURPOSE To evaluate whether total FSH dose was negatively correlated with number of oocytes retrieved in a large data set where previously, a negative correlation between FSH dose and live birth rate was identified. METHODS Data from 650,637 fresh autologous in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles reported to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology between 2004 and 2012 were included. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine if the relationship between total FSH dose used during ART with number of oocytes retrieved was impacted by the patient's health prognosis, age, BMI, ovarian stimulation protocol, or infertility diagnosis. RESULTS The number of oocytes retrieved was negatively correlated with FSH dose (P 5000 IU compared with the optimal, 1001-2000 IU, FSH groups. Overall, ~80% of patients received FSH doses outside of the optimal FSH dose. Moreover, 61% of good prognosis patients (excludes individuals likely prescribed higher FSH doses) received doses exceeding the optimal dose range. CONCLUSION The inverse relationship between FSH dose and the number of oocytes retrieved independent of patient age or health implies that excessive FSH doses during ART may be detrimental to oocyte retrieval.