Higher live birth rate following transdermal testosterone pretreatment in poor responders: a systematic review and meta-analysis

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed aiming to identify good-quality randomized controlled trials (RCT) evaluating testosterone pretreatment in poor responders. Eight RCTs were analysed, evaluating 797 women. Transdermal testosterone gel was used in all studies, with a dose ranging from 10 to 12.5 mg/day for 10–56 days. The main outcome measure was achievement of pregnancy, expressed as clinical pregnancy or live birth. Testosterone pretreatment was associated with a significantly higher live birth (risk ratio [RR] 2.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09–3.92) and clinical pregnancy rate (RR 2.25, 95% CI 1.54–3.30), as well as a significant increase in the number of cumulus–oocyte complexes retrieved. Significantly fewer days to complete ovarian stimulation, a lower total dose of gonadotrophins, a lower cancellation rate due to poor ovarian response and a thicker endometrium on the day of triggering of final oocyte maturation were observed. No significant differences were observed in oestradiol concentration, the numbers of follicles ≥17 mm, metaphase II oocytes, two-pronuclear oocytes and embryos transferred, and the proportion of patients with embryo transfer. The current study suggests that the probability of pregnancy is increased in poor responders pretreated with transdermal testosterone who are undergoing ovarian stimulation for IVF.