A review of IVF in PCOS patients at risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Introduction: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the commonest endocrinopathy affecting women in the reproductive age group. The prevalence may vary from 8.7% to 17% depending on the clinical criteria used. PCOS women having IVF presents multiple challenges ranging from a poor to an exaggerated response, poor egg to follicle ratio, poor fertilisation, poor blastocyst conversion and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Ovarian stimulation should be planned with attention paid to the AMH, antral follicle count and LH in particular. The dose of the stimulating gonadotrophin should be planned to achieve an optimal response during a GnRH antagonist cycle. Areas covered: We obtained evidence from chapters, case studies, practice committee reports, randomised controlled trials, Cochrane and systematic reviews. Expert opinion: IVF for PCOS is challenging. We have reached an understanding of careful low dose stimulation of ovaries considering AMH and antral follicle count. PCOS women should have the GnRH agonist trigger and freezing of embryos. Segmentation of an IVF cycle in PCOS woman makes it safer and has better outcome