Embryonic aneuploidy rates are equivalent in natural cycles and gonadotropin-stimulated cycles

Abstract

To determine if natural selection and follicular stimulation produces a lower risk for embryonic aneuploidy than that attained following superovulation with exogenous gonadotropins. Prospective observational with historical control group. Large academically affiliated private practice. All patients presenting for their evaluation for infertility were offered participation in the study. All participants in the natural cycle group underwent an unstimulated invitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. A subsequent frozen embryo transfer was performed if a euploid blastocyst was attained. Rates of embryonic aneuploidy attained in unstimulated IVF cycles were compared to those observed in age-controlled historical cohort undergoing conventional stimulated IVF cycles with exogenous gonadotropins. Aneuploidy rates were equivalent in unstimulated and stimulated IVF cycles. The prevalence of aneuploidy in natural cycles increased with the age of the female partner in a manner identical to that seen in stimulated IVF cycles. Finally, sustained implantation rates of euploid blastocysts were equivalent in natural and stimulated IVF cycles. Rates of embryonic aneuploidy are not impacted by follicular stimulation with exogenous gonadotropins. Prior concerns of inducing a higher risk of embryonic aneuploidy are not supported by this data. NCT01866618.