Objective: To evaluate the effect of supernumerary preovulatory follicular reduction as an approach to avoid multiple pregnancies in ovulation induction or superovulation cycles.
Design: Retrospective study.
Setting: Tertiary referral center.
Patient(s): In 26 cycles, 24 patients underwent ovulation induction or superovulation with either clomiphene citrate or hMG.
Intervention(s): Selective follicle aspiration was performed before hCG administration.
Main outcome measure(s): Clinical pregnancy rate and numbers of multiple pregnancies.
Result(s): A mean number of 4.5 follicles with a diameter > or =15 mm and a mean number of 4.5 follicles with a diameter < or =14 mm were observed before hCG administration. A mean number of 2.3 follicles with a diameter > or =15 mm and a mean number of 1.8 follicles with a diameter < or =14 mm were aspirated before the hCG administration. Seven singleton pregnancies (26.9% per cycle) ensued from the treatment.
Conclusion(s): Aspiration of supernumerary follicles after ovulation induction or superovulation seems to be a valid approach to avoid multiple pregnancies without affecting pregnancy rate.