The bustling urban lifestyle has prompted many couples with various fertility needs to look abroad, and the United States, known for its advanced medical technology and high-quality healthcare services, has become a preferred choice for numerous families. Within these families seeking medical assistance, a crucial consideration is the female’s FSH level. So, does the FSH level truly affect the success rate of undergoing IVF treatments in the United States?

Is it true that the lower the FSH level, the higher the success rate for IVF in the United States?

FSH refers to Follicle-Stimulating Hormone, a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that plays a critical role in the reproductive system. Its primary function is to stimulate the development and maturation of follicles in the ovaries, while also promoting sperm production in the testes. The secretion of FSH is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, prompting its release at the appropriate time and in the right amounts.

For women, FSH levels vary throughout different stages of the menstrual cycle. In the initial phase of the cycle, FSH is secreted more, primarily stimulating the growth and development of primordial follicles in the ovaries. As the cycle progresses, there is a maturation process for a follicle, with one follicle continuing to develop and release an egg. During this process, there is a peak in FSH secretion. If the follicle fails to develop properly, FSH secretion may be insufficient, potentially leading to ovulation issues and infertility. In men, FSH primarily functions to facilitate sperm production in the testes, stimulating spermatogonia cell proliferation and increasing the sperm count in the testes. Additionally, it assists in the production of androgens, such as testosterone, in the testes.

Normal FSH values in different stages are as follows:

Follicular phase: 3.5-12.5 mIU/mL
Ovulation phase: 4.7-21.5 mIU/mL
Luteal phase: 1.7-7.7 mIU/mL
Menopausal phase: 25.8-134.8 mIU/mL

For women, the normal range of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone is between 1.7 and 8.5 mIU/mL, and this level can change due to different stages of the menstrual cycle. In men, the normal range is between 0.9 and 9.8 mIU/mL, and with increasing age, there is a tendency for an increase in FSH after gonadal function declines. During the normal reproductive years, a woman’s FSH is typically below 8.8. Once it exceeds 10 or is between 10-15, there is some risk, but the chances of pregnancy can still be increased through assisted reproductive technology. If the FSH value is above 15, it becomes relatively difficult to conceive.

Although a high FSH value poses risks, having a lower FSH value doesn’t necessarily guarantee advantages for IVF. A low FSH value isn’t conducive to follicle growth, which can impact ovarian stimulation for egg retrieval during IVF. When FSH is too low, follicles might not mature properly, leading to potential failure in egg retrieval. Therefore, if planning to undergo IVF, having an FSH value within the normal range is considered more ideal.