Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), affecting around 5-10% of all reproductive-aged women, is one of the most common causes of anovulation. The identification of the role of insulin resistance in women with PCOS, who are also commonly resistant to clomiphene citrate (CC), resulted in the use of insulin sensitizers. The use of metformin, an insulin-sensitizing agent, in PCOS patients undergoing IVF or ovulation induction has been extensively researched, but with divergent results. Now, a new study reports that metformin significantly reduces the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and miscarriage, while positively affecting the oocyte and embryo quality in CC-resistant PCOS women undergoing IVF. The results of the randomized controlled study have been published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Continue Reading

Elevated levels of homocysteine (Hcy) in the ovarian follicular fluid has been implicated to adversely affect follicular development, oocyte maturity, and pregnancy outcomes. Now, a new study published in Human Reproduction has established a correlation between high follicular fluid Hcy concentrations and poor oocyte and embryo quality in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients undergoing assisted reproductive techniques. With this association, the study suggests that the follicular fluid Hcy levels measured on the day of oocyte pick up (dOPU) can be used as a marker for assessing oocyte and embryo quality, and fertilization rates in PCOS patients. Continue Reading