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. 2003 Sep;20(9):358–364. doi: 10.1023/A:1025476910771

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

Jason Yen-Ping Ho 1, Ming-Jer Chen 1, Yu-Chiao Yi 1, Hwa-Fen Guu 1, Esther Shih-Chu Ho 1
PMCID: PMC3455840  PMID: 14531646

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Fertilization rates, ICSI, IVF, metaphase II, preincubation period

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