Avoidance of multiple pregnancies after ovulation induction by supernumerary preovulatory follicular reduction

Objective: To evaluate the effect of supernumerary preovulatory follicular reduction as an approach to avoid multiple pregnancies in ovulation inducti on or superovulation cycles. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Tertiary referral center. Patient(s): In 26 cycles, 24 patients underwent ovulation induction or supe rovulation with either clomiphene citrate or hMG. Intervention(s): Selective follicle aspiration was performed before hCG adm inistration. Main Outcome Measure(s): Clinical pregnancy rate and numbers of multiple pr egnancies. Result(s): A mean number of 4.5 follicles with a diameter greater than or e qual to 15 mm. and a mean number of 4.5 follicles with a diameter less than or equal to 14 mm were observed before hCG administration. A mean number o f 2.3 follicles with a diameter greater than or equal to 15 mm and a mean n umber of 1.8 follicles with a diameter less than or equal to 14 nun were as pirated before the hCG administration. Seven singleton pregnancies (26.9% p er cycle) ensued from the treatment. Conclusion(s): Aspiration of supernumerary follicles after ovulation induct ion or superovulation seems to be a valid approach to avoid multiple pregna ncies without affecting pregnancy rate. (Fertil Stetil(R) 2001;76: 820-2. ( C) 2001 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.).