Correlation between basal antral follicle count and mean ovarian diameter with ovarian responsiveness in ART cycles

ABSTRACT

Since, ovarian response during assisted reproductive technology [ART] depends on ovarian reserve so it is important to evaluate ovarian reserve before the ART cycle. The purpose of this study was to determine correlation between basal antral follicle count and mean ovarian diameter before treatment with ovarian responsiveness. This study was performed on 94 infertile women who consecutively underwent ART in Fatemeh Zahra Center in Babol for one year. FSH, LH and FSH/LH were measured on day 3 of cycle, and basal antral follicle count and mean ovarian diameter were determined by vaginal sonography. GnRH Agonist was administered for hypophysial down regulation and then gonadotropin was administered for induction of ovulation. Ampules of gonodotropin, days of stimulation, numbers of oocytes, pregnancy rate and cycle cancellation were recorded. A positive linear correlation was seen between basal antral follicle count with recovered oocytes [p<0.05]. Also, pregnancy rate had a positive linear correlation with recovered oocyte, fertilized ovum and basal antral follicle count [p< 0.05]. A negative linear correlation was observed between basal antral follicle count with ampules of gonadotropin, days of stimulation that was not statistically significant [p>0.05]. It was not seen a significant correlation between mean ovarian diameter and pregnancy rate, recovered oocytes, days of stimulation and ampules of gonodotropin. The results show that antral follicle count on cycle day 3 has positive correlation with oocyte count and pregnancy rate. It is an easy and reliable method to predict ovarian responsiveness that allows physicians to evaluate patients immediately before ART stimulation and to optimize stimulation protocols