Histological evaluation of endometrium on the day of oocyte retrieval after gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist-follicle stimulating hormone ovulation induction for in-vitro fertilization

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the histopathological characteristics of endometrial biopsies taken on the day of oocyte recovery in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles with a satisfactory response to ovulation induction. A group of 33 patients who went through ovulation induction for IVF, and in whom an endometrial polyp was suspected on transvaginal ultrasonography during the monitoring phase, were studied. Following oocyte recovery, hysteroscopy, polypectomy and endometrial curettage were performed. Dating of endometrial glands and stroma was carried out in the tissue not containing the polyps. The total dose of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), duration of ovulation induction, peak oestradiol and luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations, thickness of endometrium and number of oocytes were recorded and compared to the endometrial dating of the specimens. In 15 cycles (45.5%), the endometrium was classified as 'in phase' (group I), 'advanced' by 2-4 days in a further 15 (45.5%, group II), and in the remaining three cycles (9%) it was delayed in maturation (group III). Younger age was correlated with advanced staging of the endometrium (r = -0.42; P = 0.015). Women with 'in phase' and 'advanced' maturation were similar in their response to ovulation induction; however, there was a strong correlation between advanced dating of endometrium and number of oocytes retrieved (r = 0.49; P = 0.04). Endometrial staging on the day of oocyte retrieval varied widely in patients treated by the same gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa)/FSH protocol for ovulation induction. This difference was not predictable by parameters monitored through the cycles.