ABSTRACT

To determine if body mass index has an effect on the outcome of in vitro fertilization in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.

The study included 337 cycles. Patients were stratified into the following 3 groups: normal weight, overweight, and obese. The primary outcome measures were response to ovarian hyperstimulation, the fertilization rate, the implantation rate, and the clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates.

Total gonadotropin consumption increased, and the number of retrieved oocytes decreased as the body mass index increased. The implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate were similar in all 3 groups. In response to the mid-luteal long protocol, the cycle cancellation rate was lower and the number of retrieved oocytes was higher in the overweight and obese groups, as compared to the antagonist protocol.

The body mass index did not affect the outcome of in vitro fertilization in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Additional research is required to better understand the role of stimulation protocols on the cycle outcome.

Keywords: In vitro fertilization, polycystic ovary syndrome, body mass index