Publication:

Oocyte count at retrieval as predictor of pregnancy rate in different age groups in the Indian population

Background An important consideration while planning in vitro fertilization (IVF) is whether an age-specific oocyte number can predict treatment success. Identifying such thresholds may aid counselling regarding embryo pooling and the need for donor oocytes.

Methods This retrospective, multicentric, cross-sectional study was conducted at Nova Fertility and IVF Clinics across India. Women aged 21-50 years undergoing IVF between August 2019 and July 2024 who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. A total of 1994 patients were enrolled: 149 aged 21-25 years, 580 aged 26-30 years, 813 aged 31-35 years, 381 aged 36-40 years, and 71 aged >40 years. Clinical pregnancy rates were evaluated across age groups and varying mature oocyte (MII) yields using appropriate statistical methods.

Results Total oocyte retrieved declined with advancing age, whereas the median number of mature oocytes remained relatively stable. The minimum MII oocyte number associated with successful outcomes decreased with increasing age: 9.5 at 21-25 years age, 7.5 at 31-35 years, and 4.5 at 36-40 years, increasing to 5.5 in women >40 years. There was a non -linear relation between age, oocyte yield and clinical pregnancy outcomes, with most favourable outcomes in women aged 26-35 years and low success rates at the extremes of reproductive age ( 36 years).

Conclusions Although the mature oocyte number associated with successful IVF outcomes varies with age, oocyte number alone does not determine success. Thus, individualized counselling remains essential.