IVF-ET in women with refractory polycystic ovarian disease

Abstract Polycystic ovarian disease may be a cause of hormonal infertility. This condition is often refractory to therapy. Three groups of randomly chosen women with refractory polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) were treated by induction of ovulation with pFSH/hCG, pFSH/hMG/hCG or after down-regulation of the ovaries with a GnRH analogue (Decapeptyl). Out of 18 patients six conceived in the first in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycle, and two further women conceived in a later cycle. It is suggested that patients with refractory PCOD should be referred for IVF-ET therapy, possibly after treatment with a GnRH analogue.