Follicle flushing in monofollicular in vitro fertilization almost doubles the number of transferable embryos

Abstract

Follicle flushing has been proved to be ineffective in polyfollicular in vitro fertilization. To analyze the effect of flushing in monofollicular in vitro fertilization we aspirated and then flushed the follicles in 164 cycles. Total oocyte yield/aspiration was 44.5% in the aspirate, 20.7% in the 1 st flush, 10.4% in the 2nd flush and 4.3% in the 3 rd flush. By flushing, the total oocyte yield increased (p < 0.01) by 80.9%, from 44.5 to 80.5%. The total transfer rate increased (p < 0.01) by 91.0%, from 20.1 to 38.4%. The results indicate that the oocyte yield and the number of transferable embryos can be increased significantly by flushing. © 2012 The Authors Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica © 2012 Nordic Federation of Societies of Obstetrics and Gynecology.