FSH/LH ratio in females and intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Objective: To observe the effect of follicle stimulating hormone-luteinizing hormone ratio on oocyte parameters, quality of embryo, implantation and clinical pregnancy rate after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Methods: The retrospective study was conducted at a fertility clinic in Islamabad, Pakistan, and comprised data of primary infertile females who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection from June 2011 to March 2013. All subjects had duration of infertility more than two years, and age range was 20-40 years. Follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on day 3 of the cycle and the ratio was calculated. Groups were stratified on the basis of median ratio into groups I ≤ 1.26 and group II >1.26. SPSS 20 was used for data analysis. Results: Of the 282 females, 143(51%) were in group I and 139(49%) in group II. Pregnancy was acquired by 79(55%) and 22(16%) females in group I and II respectively. The number of retrieved, metaphase, fertilised oocytes, cleaved embryos and endometrial thickness was significantly larger in group I (p< 0.0001). Conclusion: Follicle stimulating hormone-luteinizing hormone ratio less than 1.26 was associated with good oocyte parameters, top quality embryo and implantation after intracytoplasmic sperm injection.