Evaluation of oocyte morphology in poor responders receiving testosterone before stimulation
Keywords:
androgen, in vitro fertilization, oocytes, ovarian retrieval, testosteroneAbstract
Introduction: Poor ovarian response is a significant challenge in assisted reproduction, and androgens have been associated with improved ovarian response.
Objective: To evaluate the impact of transdermal testosterone gel used prior to ovarian stimulation on oocyte quantity and quality in poor responders.
Methods: In this prospective study, 110 patients with poor ovarian response were randomized into two groups. Group 1 received transdermal testosterone gel for 21 days before ovarian stimulation, while group 2 (control) did not. Oocyte number, morphology, and maturity were assessed.
Results: The number of follicles ≥17 mm in group 1 was significantly higher than in group 2 (4.5 ± 1.7 vs. 2.6 ± 2.1, p = 0.00). Spherical, smooth polar bodies were more frequent in group 1 than in group 2 (75.7% vs. 66.1%; p = 0.02). The rate of metaphase II oocytes was significantly higher in group 1 compared to group 2 (89.6% vs. 81.9%, p = 0.02), as was the fertilization rate (84.1% vs. 74%, p=0.02).
Conclusions: Pretreatment with transdermal testosterone gel may improve both the quantity and quality of oocytes in poor responders undergoing in vitro fertilization.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Hang Doan Thi, The Son Trinh, Thanh Tung Nguyen, Minh Phuong Nguyen, An Thien Trinh, Van Tuan Tran, Ngoc Nhat Nguyen , Quoc Thanh Trinh

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