Ovarian Function in Adolescents Conceived Using Assisted Reproductive Technologies

Abstract

Study objective: To compare ovarian function between adolescents conceived using assisted reproductive technology (AcART) and adolescents who were conceived spontaneously (AcSP).

Design: Multicenter study of ovarian function in AcART because of male or tubal infertility.

Setting: University Hospital.

Participants: We evaluated 22 AcART and 53 AcSP at 1-2 years after menarche. The participants were born at term (≥37 weeks of gestation) with normal birth weights (≥2500 g) from singleton pregnancies.

Interventions: None.

Main outcome measures: Differences in ovulation, reproductive hormones, and ovarian morphology.

Results: AcART had an older age of menarche than that of AcSP, even after adjusting for maternal age at menarche, gestational age, and birth weight (P = .027). AcART had lower incidence of ovulation (P = .021) and higher luteinizing hormone serum levels (P = .01) than those of AcSP. The incidence of oligomenorrhea and the cycle length were similar between AcART and AcSP. AcART had levels of anti-Müllerian hormone, inhibin B, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, and androgens similar to those of AcSP. The ovarian morphology, ovarian volume, and follicle counts were similar in both groups.

Conclusion: AcART had later menarche, lower ovulation rates, and higher luteinizing hormone levels than those of AcSP. Future studies should investigate whether these findings are indicative of a risk of ovarian dysfunction later in life for AcART.

Keywords: Age of menarche; Anti-Müllerian hormone; Assisted reproductive technology; IVF offspring; Inhibin B; Ovulation rate.