The effect of baseline complex ovarian cysts on in vitro fertilization outcome

Study Objective: To determine the effect of baseline complex ovarian cysts on controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome. Design: Retrospective analysis with stratification by stimulation regimen and the presence or absence of surgically documented endometriosis. Patients: Two hundred sixty-one women undergoing IVF from May 1, 1989 to December 31, 1990. Main Outcome Measures: The outcome measures assessed were the maximum estradiol (E₂) concentrations on day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration, number of follicles with maximum diameter ≥15 mm, number of follicles with maximum diameter ≥12 mm, number of days to hCG administration, number of ampules of human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) used, number of oocytes retrieved and fertilized, number of embryos transferred, and pregnancy and cycle cancellation rates. Results: There were no statistical differences between cyst and noncyst groups in any of the above parameters of IVF performance. In a single subgroup, patients with endometriosis stimulated with hMG and patients with cysts had significantly lower E₂ concentrations than patients without cysts. Conclusion: The presence of a complex cyst on a baseline ultrasound does not appear to adversely affect IVF cycle outcomes.