Does follicle stimulating hormone dose affect pregnancy outcomes with oocyte donation?

This study investigated if the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) dose is associated with pregnancy outcomes during oocyte donation (OD). 

They found that higher FSH doses were associated with reduced live birth rates (LBR). 

Infertility is an increasing problem for couples. Assisted reproduction (AR) can be used to treat infertility. The first step involves harvesting oocytes (eggs). Some women may not be able to do this. This can be due to reduced numbers or quality. Oocyte donation (OD) is an option for these couples. Another woman can undergo controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for harvest. This can then proceed to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryos can be transferred to the infertile woman.

Many studies have investigated factors that influence pregnancy outcomes. The majority of these involved women that underwent COS and IVF. Less is known about factors that affect pregnancy outcomes with OD and IVF. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is used in COS. One study suggests that FSH doses may affect the live birth rate (LBR) in women that underwent COS/IVF with their own embryo. It is unclear if FSH is associated with pregnancy outcomes after IVF with donated embryos. 

This study included 8,627 AR cycles. OD characteristics were analyzed. FSH doses were compared and analyzed. These included age of donor and number of oocytes donated. The main pregnancy outcome evaluated was LBR. Clinical pregnancy (CPR) and miscarriage rates (MCR) were also investigated. 

The LBR was 56.7% per embryo transfer. The CPR was 66.3%. The MCR was 13.4%. Increased FSH doses were associated with lower LBR. A 500 unit increase in FSH dose lowered the odds for a LBR by 3%. Increased FSH dose was also associated with lower CPR. FSH dose was not associated with MCR. 

The authors concluded that higher FSH doses were associated with reduced LBR for women undergoing IVF with donated oocytes.

This study was based on medical records. Information might have been incomplete. Other factors may have an impact on pregnancy outcomes. Further controlled studies are needed.

If you have any concerns regarding infertility and oocyte donation please consult with your doctor.