The Optimal Period for Oocyte Retrieval in In Vitro Fertilization

Created in August 15, 2026

2026   ·   clinical-data   reproductive-medicine   ivf   statistics   data-science   ·   research   clinical-science

In In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), identifying the optimal period for oocyte retrieval following ovulation induction is a critical factor for treatment outcomes.

In our cohort study published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, “The optimal period for oocyte retrieval after the administration of recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin in in vitro fertilization”, our objective was to investigate the existence of an optimal period for oocyte retrieval in regards to the clinical pregnancy occurrence after the administration of recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin (rhCG) (Ovitrelle®).

1. Study Methods & Cohort

  • Patient Cohort: We studied the digital records of 3,362 Middle Eastern couples who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment between 2019 and 2021.
  • Ovulation Induction: Administration of recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin (rhCG) (Ovitrelle®).
  • Protocols Evaluated: Evaluated clinical pregnancy occurrence across controlled ovarian stimulation protocols, with specific evaluation of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) long protocol.

2. Statistical Results & Conclusions

Through statistical testing, our study established:

  • Positive Correlation Up to Hour 37: There is a significant positive correlation between the oocyte retrieval period and the clinical pregnancy occurrence up to the 37th hour.
  • Optimal Outcome at Hour 37: Retrieval at the 37th hour was found to provide the most optimal outcome.
  • GnRHa Long Protocol Association: This optimal outcome was especially pronounced in the case of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) long protocol.
  • Clinical Recommendation: This cohort study recommends retrieval at hour 37 after ovulation triggering under the described conditions.

3. Article & Data Archive

@article{Al_Rahwanji_2022,
  title = {The optimal period for oocyte retrieval after the administration of recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin in in vitro fertilization},
  author = {Al Rahwanji, Mhd Jawad and Abouras, Homam and Shammout, Mhd Said and Altalla, Ray and Al Sakaan, Reem and Alhalabi, Nawras and Alhalabi, Marwan},
  journal = {BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth},
  volume = {22},
  number = {1},
  pages = {248},
  year = {2022},
  doi = {10.1186/s12884-022-04412-9}
}
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