Pregnancy outcome following in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in women of more advanced reproductive age with elevated serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels.

Purpose: To present data on the chances of pregnancy following in vitro fertilization embryo transfer, according to day 3 serum FSH and age groups in women > or = age 36.

Materials And Methods: Data were analyzed according to three age groups (36-39, 40-42, > or = 43) and five serum FSH ranges (< or = 10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16, > or = 17).

Results: No live pregnancies were found in women aged > or = 40 with serum FSH > or = 15 mlU/ml but they were seen in women aged 36-39. Live deliveries were seen in women even > or = 43 with serum FSH 13-14 mlU/ml.

Conclusions: The higher the serum FSH and the greater the age, the lower the chances of successful conception. However, reasonable pregnancy rates are found in women aged > or = 36 with serum FSH > or = 15 mlU/ml and a live delivered pregnancy rate of about 10% can occur even in women aged > or = 43 with mild FSH elevations.