Narrow Results

Aim: The study evaluated the effect of body mass index (BMI) and age on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods: A retrospective study of 412 IVF cycles in PCOS patients aged between 20 and 40 years from January 2019 to 2022. Patients were divided into three groups based on their BMI-normal (18.5–24.9kg/m²), overweight (25–29.9kg/m²), and obese ($\ge 30$kg/m²). The patients were divided into two groups based on their age $<35$ and $\ge 35$ years. The IVF cycle outcomes, clinical pregnancy (CPR), and live birth rates (LBR) were studied. The Mantel–Haenszel Chi-square test was used for statistics.

Results: The oocyte yield and endometrial thickness, fertilization, CPR, and LBR were significantly higher in the normal BMI group. Similarly, oocyte yield, mature oocytes, and endometrial thickness were significantly higher in the younger age-group. Comparing the CPR in younger and older normal, overweight, and obese groups, it was observed to be highest in the younger, normal BMI group and lowest in the older, obese group. The LBR were significantly higher in the younger, normal-BMI group compared to the older, obese patients.

Conclusion: Oocyte yield, CPR, and LBR were higher in the normal-BMI PCOS patients. The oocyte yield, endometrial thickness, and fertilization rates were higher in the younger age group. The CPR and LBR were significantly lower in the older obese patients. Patients with PCOS must be encouraged to normalize BMI before embarking on IVF. Timely treatment must be encouraged for better IVF outcomes.