In a nutshell
This study investigated pregnancy rates in women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).
They found that pregnancy rates vary in these women and currently, there is no superior fertility treatment for POI.
Some background
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a cause of infertility. POI affects women under the age of 40. Abnormal hormone levels and the absence of menstruation (periods) are typical signs of POI. Ovulation does not occur and this makes it difficult to become pregnant. The causes of POI are variate and often unknown. Some factors may increase the risk of POI. These include genetics or environmental factors.
Pregnancy is uncommon in women with POI. Egg donation is often required. Assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) may help achieve pregnancy. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) are two options. It is unclear what pregnancy rate is observed in women with POI.
Methods & findings
This research analyzed 15 other studies in women with POI. Pregnancy rates were compared across the studies.
In one randomized clinical trial (RCT), women treated with estrogen had a pregnancy rate of 16%. In the second RCT, the overall pregnancy rate was 6.9%. No patient treated with placebo (inactive drug) became pregnant. The pregnancy rates in other investigational studies ranged between 2.2% and 14.2%. Two other investigational studies with 5 patients each reported pregnancy rates of 60% and 100%. Treatments included estrogen preparations, HRT, IVF and in vitro activation (IVA). In two observational studies, HRT was administered. The pregnancy rates were 3.3% and 42.9% in these studies.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that pregnancy outcomes can vary and there is no one superior fertility treatment for POI at the moment.
The fine print
The studies in this analysis were low-moderate in quality. The study with high PR did not have enough patients to be significant. More investigation is needed.
What’s next?
If you have any concerns regarding infertility please consult with your physician.
Published By :
Reproductive BioMedicine Online
Date :
Sep 01, 2019
