Evaluation of oocyte morphology in poor responders receiving testosterone before stimulation

Authors

Keywords:

androgen, in vitro fertilization, oocytes, ovarian retrieval, testosterone

Abstract

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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References

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Published

2025-12-03

How to Cite

1.
Doan Thi H, Trinh TS, Nguyen TT, Nguyen MP, Trinh AT, Tran VT, et al. Evaluation of oocyte morphology in poor responders receiving testosterone before stimulation. Rev. cuba. med. mil [Internet]. 2025 Dec. 3 [cited 2025 Dec. 5];54(4):e025076760. Available from: https://revmedmilitar.sld.cu/index.php/mil/article/view/76760