Effects of hCG-to-oocyte retrieval interval on oocyte performances in women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing progestin-primed ovarian stimulation: a retrospective cohort trial.

PURPOSE: To investigate the optimal interval time between hCG and oocyte retrieval in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women undergoing progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS).

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included a total of 537 PCOS women undergoing PPOS cycles between January 2021 and July 2023 at a university-affiliated reproductive center. Patients were divided into three groups according to the quartiles of post-trigger intervals (Q1:36.0-36.60 h; Q2-3: 36.61-37.20 h; Q4: 37.21-38.0 h). The oocyte performances and pregnancy outcomes were compared among the three intervals.

RESULTS

The number of mature oocytes in the Q4 group was increased compared to the other two groups (15.20 ± 7.87 vs. 12.43 ± 6.35 vs. 13.86 ± 7.46, P < 0.05), but the mature oocyte yield from follicles > 10 mm on the trigger day was comparable among the three groups (64.47 ± 27.18% vs. 63.18 ± 24.95% vs. 63.34 ± 25.54%, P > 0.05). The comparison of live birth outcomes was found no significant difference among the three groups (69.6% vs. 65.9% vs. 75.8%, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The prolongation of the time intervals between hCG and oocyte retrieval from 36.0 to 38.0 h in PPOS cycles did not show an obvious improvement in terms of oocyte performances and pregnancy outcomes in the PCOS women. More well-designed prospective trials are necessary to verify the benefits and risks of prolonged intervals in PPOS cycles in the PCOS women.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: No available.