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 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 ≥15 mm and a mean number of 4.5 follicles with a diameter ≤14 mm were observed before hCG administration. A mean number of 2.3 follicles with a diameter ≥15 mm and a mean number of 1.8 follicles with a diameter ≤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.