Evaluation of the effect of trans-vaginal ovarian needle punctures on women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided trans-vaginal ovarian needle punctures on improving the management of women with polycystic ovary syndrome resistant to clomiphene citrate. METHODS: This was a randomized clinical trial conducted in a tertiary Hospital, from June 2016 to December 2018. We recruited twenty- seven women with resistant PCOS with either primary or secondary infertility. They were randomly assigned into two groups. Group one included patients who had a trial of induction using aromatase inhibitors (Letrozol 2.5 mg twice daily from day 2 of the cycle and for 5 days) and FSH administered with 75 IU daily from cycle day 3 and maintained for up to the 14th day of the cycle. Group two included patients who had transvaginal ovarian puncture prior to induction with AIs and gonadotropins. Folliculometery was done starting from day 9 of the cycle. When the follicle reaches a size of 18-25 mm, HCG was given to enhance ovulation. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in the hormonal profile (serum LH, FSH, and testosterone with a p- value of 0.0001, 0.007, and 0.0001 respectively) in the study group after one month of treatment. The overall number of ovulatory cycles was significantly higher in the study group than the control group [84 % (62/74), 62.8 % (49/78), p- value 0.006 respectively]. The cumulative pregnancy rates were significantly higher in the study group [33.3 % (9/27)]. No complications related to the procedure were reported. CONCLUSION: transvaginal ovarian needle puncture is a safe and effective procedure.