Limited ovarian stimulation results in the recovery of mature oocytes in polycystic ovarian disease patients: a preliminary report.

This pilot study including five patients, examined the feasibility of obtaining oocytes from partially stimulated ovarian follicles in patients with polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD). We evaluated oocyte maturity, and fertilization potentials. The diagnosis of PCOD was based on ultrasound findings and endocrine criteria. The long protocol of pituitary ovarian axis down-regulation was used and follicles were stimulated with daily injections of human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG), until the mean diameter of the leading follicle reached 12 mm. A full dose of HCG (10000 I.U.) was administered and oocytes were collected 36 h later. The mean number of oocytes collected per patient was 12.6+/-4.9, the mean number of MII oocytes was 8.8+/-4.4, with fertilization rate of 70.5% following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). To our knowledge this is the first report in the literature documenting the recovery of mature oocytes following limited stimulation of the ovaries. The potentials of this novel approach open a new dimension in the management of patients with PCOD.