Effect of a baseline ovarian cyst on the outcome of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the significance of prestimulation ovarian cysts on the response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and the outcome of IVF.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

In vitro fertilization unit in an academic center.

PATIENT(S): One hundred thirty-seven patients undergoing IVF.

INTERVENTION(S): The outcome of 71 patients who had an ovarian cyst of >10 mm detected at ultrasound examination performed on day 3 was compared with that of 66 patients who underwent a similar protocol and did not have an ovarian cyst.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Parameters evaluated were the E2 level on the day of hCG administration, the number of follicles, the number of oocytes retrieved, the number of embryos transferred, and the pregnancy rate.

RESULT(S): The E2 level on the day of hCG administration and the number of mature oocytes retrieved were lower in the group with a baseline cyst. The pregnancy rate also was significantly lower in the group with a cyst (24% versus 41%). The presence of a baseline ovarian cyst decreases the odds of pregnancy 0.37-fold (95% confidence interval, 0.16-0.87).

CONCLUSION(S): A baseline ovarian cyst on cycle day 3 was associated with a poorer outcome after IVF-ET.