Elevated basal FSH levels, if it is under 15 IU/L, will not reflect poor ART outcomes.

PurposeFor this study, the impact of basal FSH levels on ART outcomes was assessed.MethodsFrom June 2003 to May 2006, 191 ART cycles were performed in our hospital. All cases were treated with GnRH-a long protocol. The patients were classified according to their basal FSH level as follows: group A: FSH <10 IU/l, group B: 10 <or= FSH <15 IU/l, and group C: 15 IU/l <or= FSH. ART outcomes were compared among the three groups.ResultsThe number of retrieved oocytes in group A was significantly higher than in group B, but fertilized oocytes and the pregnancy rates were comparable. The pregnancy rate in group C was not significantly lower than those found in either group A or B, but the trend was lower.ConclusionOocytes retrieved from the patients who showed basal FSH levels below 15 IU/l were found to possess significant pregnancy potential.