Effects of hCG-to-oocyte retrieval interval on oocyte performances in women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing progestin-primed ovarian stimulation: a retrospective cohort trial.

PURPOSE: To investigate the optimal interval time between hCG and oocyte retrieval in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women undergoing progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS). METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included a total of 537 PCOS women undergoing PPOS cycles between January 2021 and July 2023 at a university-affiliated reproductive center. Patients were divided into three groups according to the quartiles of post-trigger intervals (Q1:36.0-36.60 h; Q2-3: 36.61-37.20 h; Q4: 37.21-38.0 h). The oocyte performances and pregnancy outcomes were compared among the three intervals. RESULTS: The number of mature oocytes in the Q4 group was increased compared to the other two groups (15.20 ± 7.87 vs. 12.43 ± 6.35 vs. 13.86 ± 7.46, P < 0.05), but the mature oocyte yield from follicles > 10 mm on the trigger day was comparable among the three groups (64.47 ± 27.18% vs. 63.18 ± 24.95% vs. 63.34 ± 25.54%, P > 0.05). The comparison of live birth outcomes was found no significant difference among the three groups (69.6% vs. 65.9% vs. 75.8%, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The prolongation of the time intervals between hCG and oocyte retrieval from 36.0 to 38.0 h in PPOS cycles did not show an obvious improvement in terms of oocyte performances and pregnancy outcomes in the PCOS women. More well-designed prospective trials are necessary to verify the benefits and risks of prolonged intervals in PPOS cycles in the PCOS women. TRIAL REGISTRATION: No available.