Fertility care for all: impact of New York State's Medicaid expansion on infertility care.

PURPOSE: To assess whether the New York State (NYS) mandate expanding Medicaid coverage of fertility diagnostic testing and treatment is successfully increasing patient access to and utilization of fertility care. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of NYS Medicaid patients who presented for fertility services to a large academic reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) clinic. Information on patient demographics, medical history, diagnostic testing, treatments, and outcomes was collected. Patients presenting to the clinic in the 1 year prior to the mandate (October 1, 2018-September 30, 2019) were compared to patients presenting in the 1 year after the mandate (October 1, 2019-September 30, 2020). Primary outcomes of the study were differences in presentation to the clinic between the two cohorts and differences in utilization of infertility diagnostic testing and treatment. Secondary outcomes were differences in treatment outcomes. RESULTS: A significantly larger percentage of Medicaid patients presented to the clinic for fertility assessment post-mandate (22%) as compared to pre-mandate (9%, p < 0.05). There were no demographic differences between the pre- and post-mandate patient groups. A similar percentage of patients completed diagnostic testing pre- vs. post-mandate. Post-mandate patients underwent more treatment cycles with ovulation induction medications compared to natural treatment cycles. There was no significant difference in pregnancy rates pre- vs. post-mandate. CONCLUSION: The NYS Medicaid mandate allowed a significantly larger percentage of Medicaid patients to present for fertility evaluation. The patients in the post-mandate cohort underwent more treatment cycles with ovulation induction medications compared to natural cycles.

Postpartum weight retention in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Compared with women without polycystic ovary syndrome, women with polycystic ovary syndrome have a higher prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors. Postpartum weight retention has been shown to contribute to these risks in the general population, but little is known about postpartum weight retention among women with polycystic ovary syndrome. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare postpartum weight retention and peripartum weight trends between women with polycystic ovary syndrome and controls. STUDY DESIGN: Data on live, full-term singleton deliveries from January 1, 2014, to January 1, 2019, in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome were abstracted from the electronic medical record. Weights during the pregestational period, pregnancy, and up to 12 months postpartum were collected. The primary outcome was likelihood of high postpartum weight retention of ≥5 kg above pregestational weight at 12 months after delivery. Secondary outcomes included the prevalence of high weight retention at other postpartum time points (6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months), absolute postpartum weight retention, gestational weight gain, and excess weight gain above the Institute of Medicine guidelines for weight gain in pregnancy. RESULTS: A total of 6333 women had the requisite weight information (pregestational, peak pregnancy, and at least 1 postpartum weight), including 429 (6.8%) with polycystic ovary syndrome. After adjusting for age, pregestational body mass index, race, gestational diabetes mellitus, and parity, women with polycystic ovary syndrome were less likely to be high weight retainers at 6 weeks after delivery (adjusted odds ratio, 0.71; P=.02). There was no difference in postpartum weight retention between groups at 3, 6, and 12 months after delivery. Overall, the prevalence of high weight retainers at 12 months after delivery was high in both groups (22.7% in polycystic ovary syndrome vs 29.2% in controls; P=.13), and there was no difference in absolute weight retention (1.69 kg in polycystic ovary syndrome vs 2.05 kg in controls; P=.25). Although women with polycystic ovary syndrome had a higher pregestational body mass index, they had lower gestational weight gain (median, 12.7 kg) than controls (median, 13.5 kg) (P=.01). These findings were driven by the group with obesity. The percentage of women who surpassed the Institute of Medicine guidelines for gestational weight gain based on the body mass index category was similar between groups (43.4% in polycystic ovary syndrome vs 47.3% in controls; P=.12). Overall, 18.5% of women with polycystic ovary syndrome and 23.4% of controls had a higher body mass index category at 12 months after delivery than before pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome had lower gestational weight gain and lower likelihood of high weight retention at 6 weeks after delivery but similar weight retention at 12 months after delivery compared with controls. Overall, the large proportion of women with high postpartum weight retention highlights the importance of the peripartum time period for weight management, particularly in this high-risk group predisposed to obesity and cardiometabolic disease.

Postpartum complications increased in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome are at a higher risk of cardiometabolic and psychiatric comorbidities and preconception and antepartum complications, but the impact of polycystic ovary syndrome during the postpartum period is unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the risk of postpartum cardiovascular disease complications and perinatal and postpartum depression. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted using a United States insurance claims database. Women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome aged 18 to 50 years enrolled continuously in a single health plan during the preconception, antepartum, and postpartum periods between 2000 and 2016 were included. The primary outcome was postpartum cardiovascular disease and depression (perinatal and postpartum). Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for covariates including age, geographic location, preterm delivery, assisted reproductive technology use, multiple births, prepregnancy depression, prepregnancy diabetes, prepregnancy hypertension, gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, obesity, history of hyperlipidemia, smoking, and race. RESULTS: We identified 42,391 unique women with polycystic ovary syndrome and 795,480 women without polycystic ovary syndrome. In multivariable models, women with polycystic ovary syndrome had significantly higher odds of cardiovascular disease complications, including postpartum preeclampsia (adjusted odds ratio, 1.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-1.45), eclampsia (adjusted odds ratio, 1.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-1.86) cardiomyopathy (adjusted odds ratio, 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.54), hypertensive heart disease (adjusted odds ratio, 1.32: 95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.64), thrombotic disease (adjusted odds ratio, 1.50; 95% confidence interval, 1.20-1.87), congestive heart failure (adjusted odds ratio, 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-1.61), and cerebrovascular accidents (adjusted odds ratio, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-1.29), than those without polycystic ovary syndrome, as well as both perinatal (adjusted odds ratio, 1.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.22-1.33) and postpartum depression (adjusted odds ratio, 1.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.36-1.57). Nonobese women with polycystic ovary syndrome had higher odds of postpartum eclampsia (adjusted odds ratio 1.72; 95% confidence interval, 1.31-2.26), peripartum cardiomyopathy (adjusted odds ratio, 1.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-1.79), and cerebrovascular accidents (adjusted odds ratio, 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.19-1.38) than nonobese women without polycystic ovary syndrome. In the group of women without prepregnancy depression, the odds of perinatal depression (adjusted odds ratio, 1.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.26-1.39) and postpartum depression (adjusted odds ratio, 1.50; 95% confidence interval, 1.39-1.62) were higher in women with polycystic ovary syndrome than those without polycystic ovary syndrome. CONCLUSION: In a large United States cohort, our study found that women with polycystic ovary syndrome are at increased risk of both cardiovascular and psychiatric complications during the postpartum period. Polycystic ovary syndrome should be recognized as an at-risk condition; our findings underscore the need for routine screening and early interventions for these major comorbidities.

Racial disparities in frozen embryo transfer success.

PURPOSE: To compare pregnancy and birth outcomes after frozen embryo transfers (FETs) among White, Black, and Asian women and evaluate the effect of patient, protocol, and cycle characteristics on success. METHODS: A retrospective chart review identified women who underwent an autologous FET at an academic fertility center between January 2013 and March 2020. RESULTS: White, Black, and Asian women completed 1,181 (71.7%), 230 (14.0%), and 235 (14.3%) cycles, respectively. Black women were significantly less likely to achieve a positive hCG level (AOR 0.66, 95% CI 0.49-0.90), clinical pregnancy (AOR 0.71, 95% CI 0.53-0.97), and live birth (AOR 0.65, 95% CI 0.47-0.89) compared to White women after adjusting for possible confounders. There were no differences in the aforementioned outcomes when looking at cycles completed by Asian versus White women. When comparing outcomes by endometrial preparation protocol, significant differences were seen amongst the three groups for live birth rates following natural cycle FETs (52.36%, 25.81%, and 44.19% for White, Black, and Asian women, respectively, p = 0.02), a difference not appreciated after programmed FETs. CONCLUSION: Black race is associated with significantly worse pregnancy and live birth rates following FET when compared to White race. Additionally, significant differences in live birth rates among White, Black, and Asian women exist following natural cycle FET versus programmed FET. These disparities in success are not only important for patient counseling, but also when determining management strategies to improve fertility rates among minority women.

Two-dose versus single-dose methotrexate for treatment of ectopic pregnancy: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the treatment success and failure rates, as well as side effects and surgery rates, between methotrexate protocols. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library searched up to July 2018. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials that compared women with ectopic pregnancies receiving the single-dose, two-dose, or multi-dose methotrexate protocols. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS: Odds of treatment success, treatment failure, side effects, and surgery for tubal rupture, as well as length of follow-up until treatment success, were compared using random and fixed effects meta-analysis. Sensitivity analyses compared treatment success in the groups with high human chorionic gonadatropin (hCG) values and a large adnexal mass, as defined by individual studies. The Cochrane Collaboration tool was used to assess risk of bias. RESULTS: The 2-dose protocol was associated with higher treatment success compared to the single-dose protocol (odds ratio [OR], 1.84; 95% CI, 1.13, 3.00). The 2-dose protocol was more successful in women with high hCG (OR, 3.23; 95% CI, 1.53, 6.84) and in women with a large adnexal mass (OR, 2.93; 95% CI, 1.23, 6.9). The odds of surgery for tubal rupture were lower in the 2-dose protocol (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.26, 1.63), but this was not statistically significant. The length of follow-up was 7.9 days shorter for the 2-dose protocol (95% CI, -12.2, -3.5). The odds of side effects were higher in the 2-dose protocol (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.01, 2.30). Compared to the single-dose protocol, the multi-dose protocol was associated with a nonsignificant reduction in treatment failure (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.28, 1.13) and a higher chance of side effects (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.24, 3.54). The odds of surgery for tubal rupture (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 0.41, 6.49) and time to follow-up (OR, -1.3; 95% CI, -5.4, 2.7) were similar. CONCLUSION: The 2-dose methotrexate protocol is superior to the single-dose protocol for the treatment of ectopic pregnancy in terms of treatment success and time to success. Importantly, these findings hold true in patients thought to be at a lower likelihood of responding to medical management, such as those with higher hCGs and a large adnexal mass.

Management of polycystic ovary syndrome must include assessment and treatment of mental health symptoms.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder with reproductive and metabolic manifestations affecting millions of women worldwide. The health risks associated with PCOS, however, go beyond physical health. Over the past decade, data have emerged demonstrating a high risk of concurrent mental health conditions, specifically depression and anxiety, but extending into other aspects of psychological health, including body image distress, eating disorders, and sexual dysfunction. International surveys suggest physician knowledge about the mental health associations with PCOS is poor and that patients are often dissatisfied regarding counseling-related psychological issues. We performed a review of mental health comorbidities in individuals with PCOS, including depression, anxiety, body image distress, eating disorders, psychosexual dysfunction, and decreased quality of life, as well as evaluated the impact of common PCOS treatments on these conditions. Most meta-analyses in reproductive age women demonstrate increased risks of these conditions, although data are more limited in adolescents and older adults. In addition, the impact of PCOS treatments on these conditions as well as data on first-line treatments in the PCOS population is limited. All providers involved in the multidimensional care of individuals with PCOS should be aware of these mental health risks to provide appropriate screening, counseling and referral options. Future studies should be designed to evaluate targeted treatment for individuals with PCOS.

Considerations in the Treatment of Depression and Anxiety in Women with PCOS.

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are known to be at a greater risk of depression and anxiety. What is less clear is whether existing treatments for PCOS are effective in managing this increased risk and what the optimal approach to treatment is. In this review, currently available interventions are explored including lifestyle modifications, oral contraceptives, insulin sensitizing agents, psychosocial interventions and psychiatric medications. While data are often conflicting, lifestyle interventions, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) appear most promising in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms in this population. There is an urgent need for large prospective studies to fill gaps in the literature.

Fertility-sparing options for cancer patients.

Fertility preservation is becoming an integral part of cancer care among women of reproductive age. Despite advances in the treatment of pelvic malignancies, all the currently available treatment approaches, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery, place women at high risk for future fertility impairment. With improved long-term survival rates associated with cancer, expanding the reproductive options available is of high priority. Several fertility preservation options are available today for women with gynecologic and non-gynecologic malignancies. Depending on the underlying oncological entity, these can include the following procedures whether alone or in combination: oocyte cryopreservation, embryo cryopreservation, ovarian tissue cryopreservation, ovarian transposition, and trachelectomy. The purpose of this review is to provide the most up-to-date information on the aforementioned fertility-preserving approaches and highlight the current challenges, drawbacks, and areas of research where more data are still very necessary to optimize outcomes in young female oncological patients desiring pregnancy in the future.

Risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection among women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) had a higher incidence of testing positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) than those without PCOS and evaluate whether PCOS diagnosis independently increased the risk of moderate or severe disease in those with positive SARS-CoV-2 test results. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study using the National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C). SETTING: National COVID Cohort Collaborative. PATIENT(S): Adult nonpregnant women (age, 18-65 years) enrolled in the N3C with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 testing for any indication. Sensitivity analyses were conducted in women aged 18-49 years and who were obese (body mass index, ≥30 kg/m2). INTERVENTION(S): The exposure was PCOS as identified by the N3C clinical diagnosis codes and concept sets, which are a compilation of terms, laboratory values, and International Classification of Diseases codes for the diagnosis of PCOS. To further capture patients with the symptoms of PCOS, we also included those who had concept sets for both hirsutism and irregular menses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Odds of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 and odds of moderate or severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the PCOS cohort compared with those in the non-PCOS cohort. RESULT(S): Of the 2,089,913 women included in our study, 39,459 had PCOS. In the overall cohort, the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of SARS-CoV-2 positivity was 0.98 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.97-0.98) in women with PCOS compared to women without PCOS. The aORs of disease severity were as follows: mild disease, 1.02 (95% CI, 1.01-1.03); moderate disease, 0.99 (95% CI, 0.98-1.00); and severe disease, 0.99 (95% CI, 0.99-1.00). There was no difference in COVID-19-related mortality (aOR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.99-1.00). These findings were similar in the reproductive-age and obese reproductive-age cohorts. CONCLUSION(S): Women with PCOS had a similar likelihood of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. Among those who tested positive, they were no more likely to have moderate or severe COVID-19 than the non-PCOS cohort. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a chronic condition associated with several comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease and mental health issues. Although these comorbidities are also associated with COVID-19 morbidity, our findings suggest that the comorbidities themselves, rather than PCOS, drive the risk of disease severity.

Adolescent Fertility Preservation: Where Do We Stand Now.

Adolescence is a period of flux for many body systems. While fertility potential typically increases after menarche, there are diseases where the opposite occurs and fertility preservation options need to be considered early. In cases of cancer, options vary by pubertal status and can include ovarian tissue cryopreservation, oocyte cryopreservation, sperm cryopreservation, and testicular tissue cryopreservation. Much remains to be learned about fertility and preservation options in those with differences in sexual development (DSDs); however, depending on the form of DSD, fertility preservation may not be necessary. Similarly, traditional fertility counseling in children with galactosemia may need to be changed, as data suggest that fertility rates attributed to other causes of premature ovarian insufficiency may not be as applicable to this disease. Adolescents with Turner's syndrome are at high risk for premature ovarian failure; therefore, it is important to consider options as early as possible since ovarian reserves are depleted quickly. On the other hand, transgender and gender diverse adolescents may even be able to undergo fertility preservation after starting hormone therapy. In all cases, there are additional ethical components including technical/surgical risks in childhood, offering experimental therapies without creating false hope and evaluating children's consent and assent capabilities that must be considered.

Asian Americans and infertility: genetic susceptibilities, sociocultural stigma, and access to care.

Infertility affects over 6 million people in the United States and has been shown to disproportionally affect minority patient populations. Asian American infertility is a particularly understudied area of research. This mini review article explores the current state of published research focusing on Asian American infertility trends as well as their barriers to fertility care. A small number of published studies have found that Asian American patients have decreased success with fertility treatments, including lower rates of pregnancy and live birth. These trends may be attributed to a combination of genetic, environmental, and cultural factors, which will be discussed here in further detail. It is crucial to continue building on Asian American fertility research to provide this diverse patient population with comprehensive, compassionate, and culturally sensitive care.

Racial differences in anxiety, depression, and quality of life in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate racial differences in the anxiety and depression prevalence and scores in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Academic institution. PATIENTS: Reproductive-aged women with PCOS (n = 272) and controls (n = 295). INTERVENTIONS: Hospital anxiety and depression scale and modified PCOS quality-of-life survey (MPCOS-Q). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Differences in depression and anxiety scores and quality-of-life score measured using the hospital anxiety and depression scale and MPCOS-Q were determined between White and Black women with PCOS. Multivariable correlation regressions assessed the association of the Ferriman-Gallwey score, total testosterone, body mass index (BMI), and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance with anxiety, depression, and quality-of-life scores. RESULTS: Multivariable regression controlling for age, BMI, and socioeconomic status showed that White women with PCOS had a significantly higher prevalence of anxiety than Black women with PCOS (75.9% vs. 61.3%) and significantly higher anxiety scores (mean ± SD, 10.3 ± 4.1 vs. 8.7 ± 4.6). The prevalence of depression (24.4% vs. 29%) and depression scores (4.8 ± 3.6 vs. 5.1 ± 4.0) was not significantly different. In multivariable correlation regressions, the interaction between BMI and race in its association with anxiety scores was significant. The association of race with Ferriman-Gallwey score, total testosterone, or homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance was not significant. In multivariable models, although the total MPCOS-Q scores were similar, the infertility domain was significantly lower in Black women with PCOS (mean ± SD, 12.6 ± 7.8 vs. 17.5 ± 6.8) indicating a lower quality of life related to infertility. CONCLUSION: Racial differences identified in the prevalence of anxiety and MPCOS-Q domains suggest the importance of routine screening and provide an opportunity for targeted interventions based on race.

Utilization of preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the rate of utilization, factors influencing the decision-making process, and patient satisfaction with preimplantation genetic diagnosis for monogenic disorders (PGT-M). DESIGN: Survey study. SETTING: Academic center. PATIENT(S): Genetically at-risk patients seen for PGT-M consultation between January 2010 and 2018. INTERVENTION(S): Electronic survey including demographics, genetic history, consultation experience, decision-making process, and satisfaction with PGT-M process. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Rate of utilization of PGT-M, importance of decision-making factors, and satisfaction with PGT-M process. RESULT(S): Among survey respondents (n = 49), the rate of utilization of PGT-M after consultation was 89.8%. Ninety-three percent of participants decided whether to pursue PGT-M within 3 months of consultation. Factors that were considered most important to this decision-making process included information provided at consultation, accuracy of test results after PGT-M, avoidance of suffering of an affected child, and ability to avoid termination of an affected pregnancy. Key barriers to utilization included financial burden and overall complexity of the in vitro fertilization (IVF)/PGT-M process. Of those utilizing PGT-M (n = 44), 72.1% had at least one live birth or were pregnant during the study period. Satisfaction with PGT-M was high, and most couples would use IVF/PGT-M for a future pregnancy (84.1%). Participants with a live birth were more satisfied with the PGT-M process than those who had no live birth. CONCLUSION(S): Most patients seeking consultation for PGT-M were likely to pursue this technology despite financial burden and complexity of the process. Exploring factors that influence patient decision-making regarding PGT-M is important for tailoring the consultation and optimizing the overall experience.

Measuring serum estradiol and progesterone one day prior to frozen embryo transfer improves live birth rates.

BACKGROUND: Given no consensus in the literature, this study sought to determine if a protocol of measuring serum estradiol and progesterone the day prior to frozen embryo transfer (FET) improves likelihood of pregnancy and livebirth. METHODS: This was a retrospective time-series study of women undergoing autologous vitrified-warmed blastocyst programmed FETs at an academic institution. Live birth rates were compared between a surveillance protocol, where serum estrogen and progesterone surveillance are performed the day prior to a programmed FET, and a standard protocol, whereby no hormonal lab evaluation is performed the day prior. RESULTS: Three hundred seventy-nine standard FET and 524 surveillance FET cycles were performed. Patients in the surveillance protocol were significantly more likely to achieve live birth (51% vs. 39%; aOR 1.6, 95%CI [1.2, 2.2]). Obese women were noted to be more likely to have lower progesterone hormone levels on surveillance labs (OR 3.2, 95%CI [2.0, 5.3]). However those whose hormonal medication dose was modified because of pre-transfer labs were as likely to achieve live birth as those whose dose was not modified (47% vs. 53%; aOR 0.8, 95%CI [0.6, 1.2]). CONCLUSIONS: Cycles with the surveillance protocol were more likely to result in live birth. Patients with low levels of pre-transfer hormones, such as obese patients, likely have lower pregnancy rates. It is possible that when these levels were corrected after measurement, pregnancy rates improved to match those whose levels were not low enough to warrant intervention.

Polycystic ovary syndrome: is the cardiometabolic risk increased after menopause?

Although more commonly known for its fertility sequelae, dermatologic, metabolic, and psychological morbidities associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are not well recognized. This Practice Pearl reviews the effect of PCOS on cardiometabolic risk during the reproductive years and the consequence of these findings in middle-aged women. Current screening and management recommendations are reviewed.

Disease associations depend on visit type: results from a visit-wide association study.

INTRODUCTION: Widespread adoption of Electronic Health Records (EHR) increased the number of reported disease association studies, or Phenome-Wide Association Studies (PheWAS). Traditional PheWAS studies ignore visit type (i.e., department/service conducting the visit). In this study, we investigate the role of visit type on disease association results in the first Visit-Wide Association Study or 'VisitWAS'. RESULTS: We studied this visit type effect on association results using EHR data from the University of Pennsylvania. Penn EHR data comes from 1,048 different departments and clinics. We analyzed differences between cancer and obstetrics/gynecologist (Ob/Gyn) visits. Some findings were expected (i.e., increase of neoplasm diagnoses among cancer visits), but others were surprising, including an increase in infectious disease conditions among those visiting the Ob/Gyn. CONCLUSION: We conclude that assessing visit type is important for EHR studies because different medical centers have different visit type distributions. To increase reproducibility among EHR data mining algorithms, we recommend that researchers report visit type in studies.

Body-image distress is increased in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and mediates depression and anxiety.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate differences in body-image distress (BID) scores between women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and controls and whether BID mediates anxiety and depression. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Academic institution. PATIENT(S): Reproductive-aged women with PCOS (n = 189) and controls (n = 225). INTERVENTION: Administering the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations-Appearance Subscale (MBSRQ-AS), Stunkard Figure Rating Scale (FRS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and PCOS quality of life survey (MPCOS-Q). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): BID, depression, and anxiety scores and mediation of depression and anxiety scores by BID. RESULT(S): Women with PCOS had worse BID scores on all five MBSRQ-AS subscales adjusted for age, body mass index, race, pregnancy history, income, and employment, and larger differences on the FRS compared with the control women. In multivariable regression models, the prevalence of depressive (28% vs. 19.2%) and anxiety (76.5% vs. 56.5%) symptoms were also statistically significantly higher in women with PCOS compared with the controls. Most MBSRQ-AS subscale scores statistically significantly correlated with depression, anxiety, and quality of life scores. The association between PCOS/control status and higher anxiety and depression scores was completely mediated by the appearance evaluation and body areas satisfaction subscales and partially mediated by overweight preoccupation, appearance orientation, and self-classified weight. CONCLUSION(S): Women with PCOS have increased BID and depressive and anxiety symptoms. In our study different aspects of BID either fully or partially mediated the association between PCOS/control status and depression and anxiety scores, suggesting that therapeutic interventions targeted at improving body image may decrease depressive and anxiety symptoms.

Impact of method of endometrial preparation for frozen blastocyst transfer on pregnancy outcome: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether live birth rates differ by type of endometrial preparation in frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Academic fertility center. PATIENT(S): Reproductive-aged women undergoing autologous vitrified-warmed blastocyst FETs. INTERVENTION(S): Comparison of two methods of endometrial preparation: programmed FET (known as group A: luteal phase GnRH agonist suppression, oral E2, and IM P starting 5 days before ET) versus unstimulated FET (known as group B: hormone and ultrasound monitoring for follicle collapse to time transfer). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Live birth rates in group A and group B. RESULT(S): Group A consisted of 923 cycles, and group B consisted of 105. When stratified by age at transfer, there was no difference in any of the measured outcomes, including live birth rates in adjusted models (adjusted odds ratio 1.0, 95% confidence interval 0.6-1.5), except in patients older than 40 years. These patients in group B had a 100% failure rate (n = 6). CONCLUSION(S): In most women, unstimulated endometrial preparation with luteal support before FET has similar success compared with exogenous hormone preparation. Women older than 40 years may benefit from programmed FETs owing to the challenges of increased cycle variability expected in that age group.

Uterine Malformations: An Update of Diagnosis, Management, and Outcomes.

IMPORTANCE: The prevalence of uterine malformations has been reported in up to 7% of the general population and 18% of those with recurrent pregnancy loss. The diagnosis, classification, management, and outcome of the management have been subject to debate for decades. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to summarize the current knowledge regarding the genetics of müllerian anomalies, the varied classification schemes, the appropriate diagnostic modalities, the surgical methods, and the obstetric outcomes related to these surgical methods. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: An extensive literature review using the key words uterine anomaly, classification, mullerian, agenesis, unicornuate, didelphys, bicornuate, septate, arcuate, DES, and diethyl stilbestrol was conducted using PubMed. Only English-language publications were reviewed. Relevant references within these publications were also obtained and reviewed in preparing this article. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence favors continued use of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine classification. Three-dimensional sonography, especially when combined with saline infusion, can be very helpful in accurately classifying müllerian anomalies. RELEVANCE: Müllerian anomalies are relatively common. Accurate knowledge of the advantages and limitations of various diagnostic modalities, the limitations of the classification systems, the surgical options available where appropriate, and the obstetric outcomes after these surgeries will help in the optimal management of these patients.