Ovarian cyst aspiration during in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer (IVF/ET) cycles

Fifteen patients treated in an IVF program with ovarian cysts were retrospectively evaluated. Ten women with ovarian cysts formed during induction of ovulation were treated by puncture and aspiration and compared to a control group of five patients in whom the ovarian cysts could not be punctured. Induction protocols in both groups were based on hMG/hCG or pFSH/hCG administration. In patients in the study group the mean volume aspirated from cysts was 7.4 +/- 2.1 ml. Mean estrogene (E2) levels on the day of hCG were 1411 +/- 213 and 1036 +/- 177 pg/ml in the hMG and pFSH groups, respectively. Mean progesterone (p) levels were 1.6 +/- 0.4 and 1.9 +/- 0.3 ng/ml, respectively. Oocyte collection was done with the aid of a vaginal ultrasound transducer. A mean of 6.2 and 5 oocytes was picked up respectively, with a fertilization rate of 74.3 and 69.1%. In all cases embryo transfer was performed. Two clinical pregnancies were achieved, one in each of the induction protocol groups. In the control group, patients underwent early luteinization, i.e., requiring cancelation of the cycle, after the ovarian cysts had not been aspirated. It is suggested that puncture and aspiration of ovarian cysts occurring during induction of ovulation may be an efficient method to avoid early luteinization. It should be evaluated further.