Use of follicle-stimulating hormone test to predict poor response in in vitro fertilization

OBJECTIVE: Optimized ovarian stimulation protocols are required for the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF). The purpose of this study was to estimate whether the ovarian reserve test using exogenous follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) could predict ovarian response in IVF. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study of 110 patients who underwent their first IVF cycle. ne FSH test was administered as 150 W of urinary FSH daily from day 3 to day 6 of the menstrual cycle preceding the IVF cycle for evaluation of the plasma estradiol level. Outcomes of lVF, including ovarian response, were analyzed. RESULTS: A negative correlation was observed between the duration of stimulation and the result of the FSH test (r = -.238, P = .014) and between the dose of FSH per retrieved mature oocyte (metaphase II oocyte) and the result of the FSH test (r = -.308, P < .001). In addition, our results showed that the result of the FSH test was significantly lower in poor responders defined by FSH of 400 IU/metaphase H oocyte or greater (207 +/- 149 compared with 293 174 pg/mL, P = .007). CONCLUSION: The FSH test can be a useful tool for determining the conditions of individualized clinical management plans and optimizing stimulation protocols in lVF.