Novel protocol for scheduling oocyte retrieval in IVM cycles in PCOS patients: a case series

In-vitro maturation (IVM) is associated with a longer egg-collection procedure in the operating room and a longer oocyte-handling time in the IVF laboratory than standard IVF. Hence, if the designated day of oocyte retrieval could be planned in advance, the workload pressure on that specific day can be planned in advance. This study presents a simple method for advance scheduling of IVM in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A fixed protocol of oral contraceptive pill administered prior to gonadotrophin priming and based on the days of the week enable the exact dating of the oocyte retrieval day, thereby increasing patient convenience and improving control of the IVF-unit workload. This protocol was compared with immediate-start IVM and resulted in a similar pregnancy rate (43.8% and 40.0% per cycle, respectively).