Semen analysis and in vitro fertilization

Thirty-seven patients underwent ultrasonographic, clinical, and hormonal monitoring of superovulated cycles in order to time HCG administration in an attempt to schedule the laparoscopy at the optimal time for oocyte recovery. Superovulation was induced by Clomiphene in patients under the age of 35, with both ovaries; Clomiphene and HMG were administered in women over age 35 and/or with only one or half an ovary. Twelve patients were excluded because of poor oestradiol values or LH rise prior to HCG administration. Four patients were excluded at laparoscopy because of inadequate ovarian access (a preliminary laparoscopy was not performed). In 21 patients follicular aspiration was performed: 33 mature, 15 immature, and 5 degenerated oocytes were obtained (1.5 mature oocyte per patient). Thirty eggs were fertilized on a total number of 48 eggs (mature and immature)-fertilization rate of 63%. Twenty-nine embryos cleaved and were transferred to 13 patients at the 4- to 8-cell stage.