Comparison of ovarian response in right and left ovaries in IVF patients

Anatomical and cyclical physiological differences exist between right and left ovaries which may affect their function and response to ovulation induction. Although authors have compared right and left ovarian response during IVF for patients with a unilateral diseased or absent ovary, no study has examined the response of normal ovaries to gonadotrophin stimulation within the same patient. We wished to determine if there were any significant differences between right and left ovarian response in patients with healthy ovaries having standard IVF treatment.

We performed a prospective observational case--controlled study in 200 consecutive IVF patients. The main outcome measures were the number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rates, grade of embryos produced, pregnancy rates and live birth rates.

Comparison of right versus left ovary revealed: number of oocytes 4.9 versus 4.7, percentage fertilization 61.3 versus 62.5%, percentage of grade 1 embryos 81 versus 83%, chemical pregnancy rate 33 versus 47% and live birth rate 27 versus 32% (all not significant).

We conclude that there are no statistical differences between right and left ovarian response in IVF patients with healthy ovaries.