This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) All Versions of this Article: 139/1/23    most recent REP-09-0187v1 Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Santos, M. A. Articles by Macklon, N. S Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Santos, M. A. Articles by Macklon, N. S

The impact of ovarian stimulation for IVF on the developing embryo

University Medical Centre Utrecht, Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands

Correspondence should be addressed to M A Santos; Email: mavoribe{at}umcutrecht.nl

The use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) has been increasing over the past three decades, and, in developed countries, ART account for 1–3% of annual births. In an attempt to compensate for inefficiencies in IVF procedures, patients undergo ovarian stimulation using high doses of exogenous gonadotrophins to allow retrieval of multiple oocytes in a single cycle. Although ovarian stimulation has an important role in ART, it may also have detrimental effects on oogenesis, embryo quality, endometrial receptivity and perinatal outcomes. In this review, we consider the evidence for these effects and address possible underlying mechanisms. We conclude that such mechanisms are still poorly understood, and further knowledge is needed in order to increase the safety of ovarian stimulation and to reduce potential effects on embryo development and implantation, which will ultimately be translated into increased pregnancy rates and healthy offspring.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				J. Qiao and H. L. Feng Extra- and intra-ovarian factors in polycystic ovary syndrome: impact on oocyte maturation and embryo developmental competence Hum. Reprod. Update, July 16, 2010; (2010) dmq032v1. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]