Aim: To investigate hCG levels in follicular fluid and serum after intramuscular (IM) or subcutaneous (SC) administration of purified hCG, and their association with oocyte maturation and body mass index (BMI) in women undergoing IVF-ET. Materials and Methods: The study included 160 infertile women that were recruited between April and June 2007. Standard-dose long IVF protocols were used for ovulation induction. SC or IM injections were used to administer hCG. BMI, oocyte maturity, and serum and follicular fluid hCG levels were the main outcome measurements. Results: hCG levels in serum and follicular fluid in the 2 groups were similar. A negative correlation was observed between BMI and intrafollicular serum hCG levels. Mature oocyte counts were similar in the 2 groups. No correlation was observed between BMI and oocyte maturation. A negative correlation between BMI, and serum and follicular fluid hCG levels was more prominent in the IM group than in the SC group. Pregnancy rates were lower in the IM group. Conclusions: Similar hCG levels were observed in the 2 groups. SC administration should be preferred over IM injection, as it is less painful for the patient and is easily administered. Serum and follicular fluid hCG levels were correlated with BMI, rather than the route of hCG administration.

Aim: To investigate hCG levels in follicular fluid and serum after intramuscular (IM) or subcutaneous (SC) administration of purified hCG, and their association with oocyte maturation and body mass index (BMI) in women undergoing IVF-ET. Materials and Methods: The study included 160 infertile women that were recruited between April and June 2007. Standard-dose long IVF protocols were used for ovulation induction. SC or IM injections were used to administer hCG. BMI, oocyte maturity, and serum and follicular fluid hCG levels were the main outcome measurements. Results: hCG levels in serum and follicular fluid in the 2 groups were similar. A negative correlation was observed between BMI and intrafollicular serum hCG levels. Mature oocyte counts were similar in the 2 groups. No correlation was observed between BMI and oocyte maturation. A negative correlation between BMI, and serum and follicular fluid hCG levels was more prominent in the IM group than in the SC group. Pregnancy rates were lower in the IM group. Conclusions: Similar hCG levels were observed in the 2 groups. SC administration should be preferred over IM injection, as it is less painful for the patient and is easily administered. Serum and follicular fluid hCG levels were correlated with BMI, rather than the route of hCG administration.