High estradiol levels and high oocyte yield are not detrimental to in vitro fertilization outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of elevated peak E2 levels and a high number of retrieved oocytes on implantation in patients undergoing assisted reproductive techniques.
DESIGN: Retrospective study.
SETTING: University-based IVF program. PATIENT(S): One hundred six patients undergoing 106 IVF cycles. High responders were defined as those who had peak E2 levels of >3,000 pg/mL on the day of hCG administration (n = 38) or >15 retrieved oocytes (n = 48). Their IVF outcomes were compared with those of patients whose peak E2 levels were < or =3,000 pg/mL (n = 68) or who had < or =15 retrieved oocytes (n = 58). INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Implantation and pregnancy rates. RESULT(S): There were no statistically significant differences in age, basal FSH level, basal E2 level, number of ampules of gonadotropins required, fertilization rate, number of ETs, implantation rate, or pregnancy rate between normal and high responders or between women who did and did not become pregnant. In addition, no differences were detected when outcome was analyzed according to the stimulation regimen used. CONCLUSION(S): Elevated peak E2 levels and high oocyte yield are not detrimental to IVF outcome. More studies are needed to characterize the threshold E2 levels above which implantation rates are reduced.