Donor oocyte cycle characteristics and outcomes: factors potentially linked with successful endings

OBJECTIVE: The use of donor oocytes in assisted reproduction has seen a significant rise worldwide in the last two decades. Postponement of motherhood and premature ovarian insufficiency are the main reasons for the increase in the number of in vitro fertilization cycles with donor oocytes. The present study aims to characterize donor oocyte cycles to analyze factors that may have an effect on live births and clinical pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: Data were obtained from a single Assisted Reproduction Center in southern Brazil. Recipient demographics (n=148 patients) and cycle characteristics (n=213 cycles; 50 patients did more than one IVF attempt) were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-squared and t-test as appropriate. RESULTS: On average, recipients that reached gestation were significantly younger than the ones that did not. We also observed a significant positive effect of constant dose estrogen therapy on pregnancies. CONCLUSIONS: Patient age and response to estradiol therapy are important factors in the attainment of the best possible outcomes in cycles with donor oocytes.