Administration of Utrogestan and hMG results in improved IVF outcome in PCOS patients

This study investigated if the utrogestan and hMG protocol improved the viability of embryos and success of IVF in women with PCOS. 

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a condition due to hormonal imbalances which results in irregular ovulation and mentruation and can greatly impact female fertility. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a fertility procedure which can aid PCOS patients to conceive. One aspect of IVF is controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH), which involves administering drugs which induce ovulation. However, current COH drug protocols are not optimal for PCOS patients. 

Progesterone capsules (Utrogestan) have been effective in women with normal ovulation. This prevents the surge of a certain hormone that interferes with pregnancy. It may be that the combination of utrogestan and hMG (human menopausal gonadotropin; a treatment to induce ovulation) may be more effective in women with PCOS.

This study was performed retrospectively. The researchers examined medical records from 123 patients who underwent the utrogestan and hMG treatment protocol (group 1) as part of IVF. 77 women who underwent a shorter protocol were used as the control group (group 2).

Women in group 1 had a greater average fertilization rate (76.11%) compared to the control group (69.34%). The viable embryo rate was also higher in group 1 (39.85%) compared to group 2 (34.68%). In addition, embryos in group 1 had greater developmental potential across a range of measures. This included a greater success rate of clinical pregnancy (64.65%) compared to group 2 (51.65%). 

The authors suggested that the utrogestan and hMG protocol improves IVF outcome for women with PCOS. 

This study was done retrospectively so some aspects of the study cannot be controlled, i.e. not all relevant information regarding patient background and treatment may not have been available. This study also only looked at a small number of PCOS patients and excluded more severe cases of PCOS. 

Discuss potential alternative COH strategies with your doctor if you are seeking fertility treatment and suffering from PCOS.