Transvaginal ovarian drilling for polycystic ovary syndrome prior to in vitro fertilization dramatically improves embryo yield, implantation, and ongoing pregnancy rates

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of transvaginal ovarian drilling (TVOD) on IVF outcomes in subjects with clomiphene-resistant PCOS and a history of IVF failure.

Methods: Between 2008 and 2011, 19 subjects with sonographically PCOS and a history of failure to ovulate to high-dose clomiphene citrate were prospectively followed and underwent TVOD at a university hospital-based IVF program.

Results: In 15 subjects who underwent 30 fresh paired IVF cycles TVOD resulted in a significantly higher number of oocytes retrieved (7.2 ± 5.9 vs. 13.2 ± 5.9, p = 0.007), mature oocytes retrieved (4.6 ± 3.4 vs. 9.5 ± 5.2, p = 0.002), embryos (3.8 ± 2.7 vs. 8.5 ± 4.5, p = 0.0002), and blastocysts (0.73 ± 1.33 vs. 2.77 ± 2.7, p = 0.037). Among all IVF cycles, 19 subjects underwent 23 fresh IVF cycles prior to TVOD and 21 fresh cycles within 6 months following TVOD lead to higher implantation (0.10 vs. 0.37, p = 0.001), clinical pregnancy (17.4% vs. 61.9%, p = 0.002), and ongoing pregnancy rates (4.4% vs. 47.6%, p = 0.014).

Conclusion: In this prospective cohort study, TVOD appears to markedly improve IVF outcomes in subjects with clomiphene resistant PCOS and a history of IVF failure.