Autologous oocyte cryopreservation in women aged 40 and older using minimal stimulation IVF

BACKGROUND: The value of oocyte cryopreservation in older women remains controversial. The aim of this study was to report the oocyte freezing experience in women aged 40 and older at a single fertility center. FINDINGS: One hundred fifty eight women (mean age 43.9 ± 0.2) who underwent minimal ovarian stimulation IVF were enrolled. IVF protocol included the use of clomiphene citrate (50 mg/day) or letrozole (2.5 mg/day) with or without low dose gonadotropins (started at 75 IU/day and increased as needed to 150 IU/day). 584 retrieved oocytes (2.1 ± 0.15 per patient) yielded 532 mature MII oocytes that were frozen. After thawing and fertilization by ICSI, a total of 344 embryos (1.9 ± 0.1 per patient) were formed. A total of 57 relatively good embryos were transferred and yielded three live births (5.3 % per embryo transfer), three spontaneous abortions, and one chemical pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: These data are important in counseling older women who desire autologous oocyte freezing.