Non-functional ovarian cysts do not affect ipsilateral or contralateral ovarian performance during in-vitro fertilization

Reports on the significance of ovarian cystic structures during in-vitro fertilization (IVF) have been conflicting. This study examined the effect of such structures on ovarian performance during IVF. Twenty-one patients with one or more cystic structures of 20-50 mm in diameter, detected on day 6 of the menstrual cycle, were compared to 35 non-cystic controls. Differences (cyst versus non-cyst) included basal oestradiol (E₂) levels (40 ± 4.8 versus 29 ± 2.0 pg/ml; P < 0.01), ampoules of gonadotrophins administered (24 ± 2 versus 16 ± 1; P < 0.001) and peak E₂ concentrations (415 ± 45 versus 744 ± 88 pg/ml; P < 0.05). There were no differences in the number of follicles aspirated or oocytes retrieved. In 19 patients with unilateral structures, the ipsilateral ovary produced fewer follicles (2.5 ± 0.5 versus 3.9 ± 0.6; P < 0.05); however, there were no differences in the number or maturity of oocytes recovered. Since the numbers of oocytes recovered were equivalent in the presence or absence of ovarian cystic structures, their presence is not an indication to cancel an IVF cycle.