Abstract
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is an effective therapy for infertile patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and results in pregnancy rates that are comparable with those for women with tubal factor infertility. Moreover, because the number of multiple pregnancies can be kept to a minimum by transferring small numbers of embryos, IVF became a reasonable option to PCOS patients who are refractory to conventional infertility modalities or who have coexisting infertility factors. In infertile PCOS patients scheduled for IVF cycles, controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) utilising the mid-luteal long GnRH-agonist suppressive protocol is probably associated with a higher clinical pregnancy rate than the multidose GnRH-antagonist protocol. However, since PCOS patients are at high risk to develop severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), it is suggested to offer these patients the GnRH-antagonist COH protocol in the first IVF cycle attempt. Other COH strategies are also discussed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
References
Rotterdam ESHRE/ASRM-Sponsored PCOS Consensus Workshop Group. Revised 2003 consensus on diagnostic criteria and long-term health risks related to polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertil Steril. 2004;81:19–25.
Stein IF, Leventhal ML. Amenorrhea associated with bilateral polycystic ovaries. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1935;29:181–91.
Dunaif A, Segal KR, Futterweit W, Dobrjansky A. Profound peripheral insulin resistance, independent of obesity, in polycystic ovary syndrome. Diabetes. 1989;38:1165–74.
Thessaloniki ESHRE/ASRM-Sponsored PCOS Consensus Workshop Group. Consensus on infertility treatment related to polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertil Steril. 2008;89:505–22.
Buyalos RP, Lee CT. Polycystic ovary syndrome: pathophysiology and outcome with in vitro fertilization. Fertil Steril. 1996;65:1–10.
Ashkenazi J, Farhi J, Orvieto R, Homburg R, Dekel A, Feldberg D. Polycystic ovary syndrome patients as oocyte donors: the effect of ovarian stimulation protocol on the implantation rate of the recipient. Fertil Steril. 1995;64:564–7.
Eijkemans MJ, Imani B, Mulders AG, Habbema JD, Fauser BC. High singleton live birth rate following classical ovulation induction in normogonadotrophic anovulatory infertility (WHO 2). Hum Reprod. 2003;18:2357–62.
Dumont A, Robin G, Catteau-Jonard S, Dewailly D. Role of Anti-Müllerian Hormone in pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome: a review. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2015;13:137.
Dor J, Shulman A, Levran D, Ben-Rafael Z, Rudak E, Mashiach S. The treatment of patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome by in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer: a comparison of results with those of patients with tubal infertility. Hum Reprod. 1990;5:816–8.
Urman B, Fluker MR, Yuen BH, Fleige-Zahradka BG, Zouves CG, Moon YS. The outcome of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer in women with polycystic ovary syndrome failing to conceive after ovulation induction with exogenous gonadotropins. Fertil Steril. 1992;57:1269–73.
Griesinger G, Diedrich K, Tarlatzis BC, Kolibianakis EM. GnRH-antagonists in ovarian stimulation for IVF in patients with poor response to gonadotrophins, polycystic ovary syndrome, and risk of ovarian hyperstimulation: a meta-analysis. Reprod Biomed Online. 2006;13:628–38.
Damario MA, Barmat L, Liu HC, Davis OK, Rosenwaks Z. Dual suppression with oral contraceptives and gonadotrophin releasing-hormone agonists improves in-vitro fertilization outcome in high responder patients. Hum Reprod. 1997;12:2359–65.
Orvieto R, Patrizio P. GnRH agonist versus GnRH antagonist in ovarian stimulation: an ongoing debate. Reprod Biomed Online. 2013;26:4–8.
Al-Inany H, Abou-Setta AM, Aboulghar M. Gonadotrophin releasing hormone antagonists for assisted conception: a Cochrane review. Reprod Biomed Online. 2007;14:640–9.
Al-Inany HG, Youssef MA, Aboulghar M, Broekmans F, Sterrenburg M, Smit J, Abou-Setta AM. Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonists for assisted reproductive technology. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011;5:CD001750.
Orvieto R. Can we eliminate severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome? Hum Reprod. 2005;20:320–2.
Velazquez EM, Mendoza S, Hamer T, Sosa F, Glueck CJ. Metformin therapy in polycystic ovary syndrome reduces hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, hyperandrogenemia, and systolic blood pressure, while facilitating normal menses and pregnancy. Metabolism. 1994;43:647–54.
Costello MF, Chapman M, Conway U. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on metformin co-administration during gonadotrophin ovulation induction or IVF in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Hum Reprod. 2006;21:1387–99.
Kim CH, Lee YJ, Hong SH. Efficacy of a GnRH antagonist during early and late controlled ovarian hyperstimulation period in women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing IVF-ET. Hum Reprod. 2004;19:105–9.
Hwang JL, Seow KM, Lin YH, Huang LW, Hsieh BC. Ovarian stimulation by concomitant administration of cetrorelix acetate and HMG following Diane-35 pre-treatment for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a prospective randomized study. Hum Reprod. 2004;19:1993–2000.
Bahceci M, Ulug U, Ben-Shlomo I, Erden HF, Akman MA. Use of a GnRH antagonist in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for assisted conception in women with polycystic ovary disease: a randomized, prospective, pilot study. J Reprod Med. 2005;50:84–90.
Ashrafi M, Moini A, Mohammadzadeh A, Ezabadi Z, Zafarani F. A comparative study of GnRH antagonist and GnRH agonist in PCO patients undergoing IVF/ICSI cycles. Iran J Reprod Med. 2005;3:14–8.
Lainas TG, Petsas GK, Zorzovilis IZ, Iliadis GS, Lainas GT. Initiation of GnRH antagonist on day 1 of stimulation as compared to the long agonist protocol in PCOS patients. A randomized controlled trial: effect on hormonal levels and follicular development. Hum Reprod. 2007;22:1540–6.
Kurzawa R, Ciepiela P, Baczkowski T, Safranow K, Brelik P. Comparison of embryological and clinical outcome in GnRH antagonist vs. GnRH agonist protocols for in vitro fertilization in PCOS non-obese patients. A prospective randomized study. J Assist Reprod Genet. 2008;25:365–74.
Vrtacnik-Bokal E, Virant Klun I, Verdenik I. Follicular oestradiol and VEGF after GnRH antagonists or GnRH agonists in women with PCOS. Reprod Biomed Online. 2009;18:21–8.
Lainas TG, Sfontouris IA, Zorzovilis IZ, Petsas GK, Lainas GT. Flexible GnRH antagonist protocol versus GnRH agonist long protocol in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome treated for IVF: a prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT). Hum Reprod. 2010;25:683–9.
Orvieto R, Meltcer S, Homburg R, Nahum R, Rabinson J, Ashkenazi J. What is the preferred GnRH-analogue for polycystic ovary syndrome patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for in-vitro fertilization? Fertil Steril. 2009;91:1466–8.
Orvieto R, Nahum R, Meltcer S, Homburg R, Rabinson J, Anteby EY, Ashkenazi J. Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in polycystic ovary syndrome patients: the role of body mass index. Reprod Biomed Online. 2009;18:333–6.
Orvieto R, Meltcer S, Liberty G, Rabinson J, Anteby EY, Nahum R. Does day-3 LH/FSH ratio influence in vitro fertilization outcome in PCOS patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with different GnRH-analogue? Gynecol Endocrinol. 2012;28:422–4.
Lin H, Li Y, Li L, Wang W, Yang D, Zhanget Q. Is a GnRH antagonist protocol better in PCOS patients? A meta-analysis of RCTs. PLoS One. 2014;9:e91796.
The Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Fertil Steril. 2008;90:188–93.
Orvieto R. Can we eliminate severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome? Hum Reprod. 2005;20:320–2.
Devroey P, Polyzos NP, Blockeel C. An OHSS-free clinic by segmentation of IVF treatment. Hum Reprod. 2011;6:2593–7.
Griesinger G, Diedrich K, Devroey P, Kolibianakis EM. GnRH agonist for triggering final oocyte maturation in the GnRH antagonist ovarian hyperstimulation protocol: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod Update. 2006;12:159–68.
Orvieto R, Rabinson J, Meltzer S, Zohav E, Anteby E, Homburg R. Substituting HCG with GnRH agonist to trigger final follicular maturation–a retrospective comparison of three different ovarian stimulation protocols. Reprod Biomed Online. 2006;13:198–201.
Humaidan P, Bungum L, Bungum M, Yding AC. Rescue of corpus luteum function with peri-ovulatory HCG supplementation in IVF/ICSI GnRH antagonist cycles in which ovulation was triggered with a GnRH agonist: a pilot study. Reprod Biomed Online. 2006;13:173–8.
Humaidan P, Bredkjaer HE, Westergaard LG, Andersen CY. 1,500 IU human chorionic gonadotropin administered at oocyte retrieval rescues the luteal phase when gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist is used for ovulation induction: a prospective, randomized, controlled study. Fertil Steril. 2010;93:847–54.
Humaidan P, Papanikolaou EG, Kyrou D, Alsbjerg B, Polyzos NP, Devroey P, Fatemi HM. The luteal phase after GnRH-agonist triggering of ovulation: present and future perspectives. Reprod Biomed Online. 2012;24:134–41.
Seyhan A, Ata B, Polat M, Son WY, Yarali H, Dahan MH. Severe early ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome following GnRH agonist trigger with the addition of 1500 IU hCG. Hum Reprod. 2013;28:2522–8.
Orvieto R, Ben-Rafael Z. Role of intravenous albumin in the prevention of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Hum Reprod. 1998;13:3306–9.
Shapiro BS, Daneshmand ST, Garner FC, Aguirr M, Thomas S. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist combined with a reduced dose of human chorionic gonadotropin for final oocyte maturation in fresh autologous cycles of in vitro fertilization. Fertil Steril. 2008;90:231–3.
Shapiro BS, Daneshmand ST, Garner FC, Aguirre M, Hudson C. Comparison of “triggers” using leuprolide acetate alone or in combination with low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin. Fertil Steril. 2011;95:2715–7.
Orvieto R. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome – an optimal solution for an unresolved enigma. J Ovarian Res. 2013;6:77.
Haas J, Kedem A, Machtinger R, Dar S, Hourovitz A, Yerushalmi G, Orvieto R. HCG (1500IU) administration on day 3 after oocytes retrieval, following GnRH-agonist trigger for final follicular maturation, results in high sufficient mid luteal progesterone levels – a proof of concept. J Ovarian Res. 2014;7:35.
Genazzani AD, Petraglia F, Battaglia C, Gamba O, Volpe A, Genazzani AR. A long-term treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist plus a low-dose oral contraceptive improves the recovery of the ovulatory function in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertil Steril. 1997;67:463–8.
Barad DH, Kim A, Kubba H, Weghofer A, Gleicher N. Does hormonal contraception prior to in vitro fertilization (IVF) negatively affect oocyte yields? A pilot study. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2013;11:28.
Marci R, Senn A, Dessole S, Chanson A, Loumaye E, De Grandi P, Germond M. low-dose stimulation protocol using highly purified follicle-stimulating hormone can lead to high pregnancy rates in in vitro fertilization patients with polycystic ovaries who are at risk of a high ovarian response to gonadotropins. Fertil Steril. 2001;75:1131–5.
Gong F, Li X, Zhang S, Ma H, Cai S, Li J, Lin GE, Lu G. A modified ultra-long pituitary downregulation protocol improved endometrial receptivity and clinical outcome for infertile patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Exp Ther Med. 2015;10:1865–70.
Soares SR. Etiology of OHSS and use of dopamine agonists. Fertil Steril. 2012;97:517–22.
Palomba S, Santagni S, La Sala GB. Progesterone administration for luteal phase deficiency in human reproduction: an old or new issue? J Ovarian Res. 2015;19:77.
Van der Linden M, Buckingham K, Farquhar C, Kremer JAM, Metwally M. Luteal phase support for assisted reproduction cycles. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;7:CD009154.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2018 Springer International Publishing Switzerland
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Orvieto, R. (2018). Controlled Ovarian Stimulation for In Vitro Fertilisation Cycles. In: Palomba, S. (eds) Infertility in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-45534-1_19
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-45534-1_19
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-45533-4
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-45534-1
eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)