Analyzing the influence of age and basal levels of follicle stimulating hormone on the risk for aneuploidy in women undergoing IVF.
The risk of embryonic aneuploidy in women undergoingIVF is significantly influenced by age but not by follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, say scientists.

Researchers from the Lister Fertility Clinic in London, UK, note the decline in fecundity seen in women of advanced maternal age “is attributed to reduction of ovarian reserve and deterioration of oocyte quality.

However, they point out: “There is an ongoing debate regarding the etiology of the reduction of fecundity for women who have elevated basal FSH… and regarding whether this etiology is associated either with poorer oocyte quality or lower ovarian reserve.”

To investigate, Meen-YauThumand team measured basal FSH levels in 151 women undergoing IVF.

Genetic screening revealed that aneuploid embryos were as common in women with basal FSH levels of 10 IU/L or above as in those with FSH levels below this point, at rates of 50.0 percent and 50.2 percent, respectively.

In contrast, the risk of aneuploid embryos was significantly higher in women aged 38 years or more than in younger women, at 56.2 percent versus 37.5 percent. This difference was independent of differences in basal FSH concentrations, the team notes.

Based on these findings, the authors reason: “A delay in treating women with elevated basal FSH is counterproductive, because the oocyte number and genetic quality will deteriorate as maternal age increases.”

ORGYN.com