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The Effect of Preincubation Period of Oocytes on Nuclear Maturity, Fertilization Rate, Embryo Quality, and Pregnancy Outcome in IVF and ICSI

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Abstract

Purpose : To clarify the effect of preincubation of oocytes on the results of IVF and ICSI.

Methods : A total of 176 IVF and 64 ICSI cycles received long protocol ovarian stimulation. The oocytes were incubated for 1–8 h before insemination or sperm injection. Metaphase II (MII) percentage was evaluated in the ICSI arm; fertilization rates, embryo quality, and pregnancy outcomes were analyzed in both IVF and ICSI arms according to the preincubation period duration of oocytes.

Results : The MII percentage of the ICSI arm was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the group with preincubation period of <2.5 h. The fertilization rates in groups with preincubation for 2.5–5.5 h were significantly higher (P < 0.001) for IVF. Embryo quality and pregnancy outcomes were not significantly different between the IVF or ICSI arm.

Conclusions : The preincubation of oocytes for at least 2.5 h is beneficial to both IVF and ICSI outcomes by increasing the nuclear maturity of oocytes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, 160, Sec. 3, Chung-Kang Road, Taichung, 407, Taiwan, Republic of China

    Jason Yen-Ping Ho, Ming-Jer Chen, Yu-Chiao Yi, Hwa-Fen Guu & Esther Shih-Chu Ho

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  1. Jason Yen-Ping Ho
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  2. Ming-Jer Chen
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  3. Yu-Chiao Yi
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  5. Esther Shih-Chu Ho
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Ho, J.YP., Chen, MJ., Yi, YC. et al. The Effect of Preincubation Period of Oocytes on Nuclear Maturity, Fertilization Rate, Embryo Quality, and Pregnancy Outcome in IVF and ICSI. J Assist Reprod Genet 20, 358–364 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1025476910771

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