The Effect of Preincubation Period of Oocytes on Nuclear Maturity Fertilization Rate Embryo Quality and Pregnancy Outcome in IVF and ICSI

摘要

>Purpose>: To clarify the effect of preincubation of oocytes on the results of IVF and ICSI.>Methods>: A total of 176 IVF and 64 ICSI cycles received long protocol ovarian stimulation. The oocytes were incubated for 1–8 h before insemination or sperm injection. Metaphase II (MII) percentage was evaluated in the ICSI arm; fertilization rates, embryo quality, and pregnancy outcomes were analyzed in both IVF and ICSI arms according to the preincubation period duration of oocytes.>Results>: The MII percentage of the ICSI arm was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the group with preincubation period of <2.5 h. The fertilization rates in groups with preincubation for 2.5–5.5 h were significantly higher (P < 0.001) for IVF. Embryo quality and pregnancy outcomes were not significantly different between the IVF or ICSI arm.>Conclusions>: The preincubation of oocytes for at least 2.5 h is beneficial to both IVF and ICSI outcomes by increasing the nuclear maturity of oocytes.