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

To evaluate the effect of supernumerary preovulatory follicular reduction as an approach to avoid multiple pregnancies in ovulation induction or superovulation cycles.

Retrospective study.

Tertiary referral center.

In 26 cycles, 24 patients underwent ovulation induction or superovulation with either clomiphene citrate or hMG.

Selective follicle aspiration was performed before hCG administration.

Clinical pregnancy rate and numbers of multiple pregnancies.

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.

Aspiration of supernumerary follicles after ovulation induction or superovulation seems to be a valid approach to avoid multiple pregnancies without affecting pregnancy rate.