Objective: To evaluate the predictive value of basal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in relation to the ovarian reserve and to establish their effect on IVF success.
Design: Retrospective clinical study.
Setting: 2nd Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty and L. Pasteur University Hospital Kosice.
Methods: 155 IVF cycles were evaluated in relation to the basal FSH levels. Several parameters were regarded--duration of stimulation, gonadotrophins dosage, number of oocytes, oocyte quality, fertilization ratio, number of embryos, pregnancy rate and miscarriage rate.
Results: Statistically significant correlation in relation to basal FSH levels was established in case of number of oocytes and number of embryos (p < 0.05). Other parameters were not correlated to basal FSH levels. There was not established lowerpregnancy rate in patients with elevated basal FSH levels.
Conclusions: On basis of this study results we can observe that basal FSH concentrations give us some information about ovarian reserve, but they neither inform about oocyte quality nor predict IVF success.