IVF treatment in achieving clinical pregnancy, amongst obese women with PCOS

Abstract

Overview of the Topic: PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition affecting the female reproductive system. PCOS has several symptoms, such as obesity and infertility. Hence, the use of Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART), mainly In- Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) are necessary. This study analysed the effect of obesity amongst PCOS women, in achieving clinical pregnancy, through IVF treatment. The Research Question: Amongst women with PCOS, does obesity influence the effectiveness of IVF treatment in achieving pregnancy? PICO Elements: The Population (P) studied PCOS women undergoing IVF treatment. The Intervention (I) was obesity amongst the population. There was no Comparison (C), and the final Outcome (O) was the success rates of IVF, that is achieving clinical pregnancy. Method: A systematic literature search was performed using electronic databases. The inclusion criteria involved peer- reviewed articles, in English language, from 2012 onwards. Meta- Analysis, Systematic Reviews, Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs), Cohort Studies, Case Control Studies and Cross- Sectional Studies were permitted in the inclusion criteria. Five Retrospective Cohort Studies and one Case Control Study were retrieved. CASP tools were used to critically appraise the sought literature and any ethical issues were considered. Results: The appraised articles concluded that obesity, amongst PCOS women, does affect the success rate of IVF treatment (achieving clinical pregnancy). All studies were reliable, however various methodological limitations were noted. Therefore, results should be cautiously interpreted. Implications and Recommendations: Further research is necessary to establish the effectiveness of the intervention and to perform local studies. Health- care professionals and PCOS women should be educated on this topic. It was concluded that further awareness on the importance of PCOS diagnosis and on the necessary pre- treatments for IVF treatment, should be present.