Comparison of follicle steroidogenesis from normal and polycystic ovaries in women undergoing IVF: relationship between steroid concentrations, follicle size, oocyte quality and fecundability

Studies of ovarian stimulation for IVF have suggested a relationship between follicle size and pregnancy rates. Furthermore the follicular endocrine environment is correlated with oocyte quality. The aim of this study was first to verify the relationship between follicular steroid content, follicular size, oocyte maturity and fertilization outcome in women with normal ovaries following recombinant human FSH (rhFSH). Secondly this study was extended to women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Fifty-nine patients (31 normal, 28 PCOS) underwent conventional IVF with rhFSH induction. Follicular diameter was classified as small (8–13 mm) or large (>14 mm) and sex steroid content was analysed for each group. Oocyte maturity was studied according to nuclear maturation the day after fertilization. In both ovulation groups, 17 β-oestradiol and progesterone concentration were significantly higher in large follicles with meiotically competent oocytes compared with those containing meiotically incompetent oocytes. Testosterone levels were increased in PCOS follicles compared with normal patients, with no difference between corresponding sub-groups of follicles with meiotically competent oocytes. The relationship between follicle size and embryo development showed that 14 mm could be a threshold value following rhFSH induction in normal or PCOS women.