Basal and cycle androgen levels correlate with in vitro fertilization stimulation parameters but do not predict pregnancy outcome.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate androgen levels before and during IVF. To assess for an association between androgen levels and IVF stimulation parameters or IVF pregnancy outcome.


METHODS
Prospective cohort study.


METHODS
Residency-based IVF program.


METHODS
One hundred seventeen infertility patients.


METHODS
Androgen levels were evaluated on basal day 3 and during the IVF stimulation cycle.


METHODS
Pregnancy outcome rates and IVF stimulation parameters.


RESULTS
Mean serum androgen levels did not differ among different pregnancy outcomes. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that body mass index (BMI) and oocyte number had a significant positive association with basal testosterone levels. Mean ovarian volume correlated negatively and follicle number correlated positively with testosterone levels on day 6 of stimulation. Peak E(2) and BMI correlated positively with testosterone on day of hCG administration. The interval change in androgen levels throughout the IVF cycle was not associated with outcome rates. Likewise, threshold analysis did not reveal any significant androgen level that affected pregnancy outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
Serum androgen levels during IVF correlate with IVF stimulation parameters. However, these data do not support an influence of serum androgen levels on IVF pregnancy outcome rates.
Frattarelli
John L
JL
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. jfrattarelli@rmanj.com
Gerber
Maria D
MD
D000328:Adult; D000728:Androgens / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006254:Hawaii / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000097:blood* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008597:Menstrual Cycle; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000097:blood* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013223:Statistics as Topic
D000728:Androgens