Antral follice counts (AFC) predict ovarian response and pregnancy outcomes in oocyte donation cycles
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Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Collection of Human Follicular Fluid, Follicle Somatic Cells, and Immature Oocytes from Individuals Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization
Published on: October 24, 2025
Alaina Vrontikis1, Peter L Chang, Peter Kovacs
1Center for Reproductive Health, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA.
Purpose:
Antral follicle count (AFC) is used as a marker of ovarian response. We assessed its value in predicting pregnancy outcomes in ovum donation cycles by retrospective review.
Methods:
Oocyte donors (n = 94) underwent ovarian hyperstimulation using rFSH and GnRH-antagonists. Recipients were synchronized using GnRH-agonist down-regulation followed by fixed dose of estrogen and progesterone following hCG. Outcomes measured included correlation of AFC to pregnancy outcomes and cycle characteristics in those with and without clinical and ongoing-delivered cycles.
Results:
AFC significantly correlated with clinical [Exp beta 1.12; 95% CI: 1.02-1.23, p < 0.05] and ongoing-delivered pregnancy [Exp beta 1.10; 95% CI: 1.01-1.20, p < 0.05]. Significantly greater AFC, total and M-2 oocytes, and cycles resulting in cryopreserved embryos were seen in clinical and ongoing-delivered cycles.
Conclusions:
AFC predicts cycle stimulation responses and clinical outcomes and may serve as a guide for dosing protocols and in choosing to proceed with the most optimal cycle.
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