Ovarian Function in Adolescents Conceived Using Assisted Reproductive Technologies.

Abstract

STUDY OBJECTIVE\nTo compare ovarian function between adolescents conceived using assisted reproductive technology (AcART) and adolescents who were conceived spontaneously (AcSP).\n\n\nDESIGN\nMulticenter study of ovarian function in AcART because of male or tubal infertility.\n\n\nSETTING\nUniversity Hospital.\n\n\nPARTICIPANTS\nWe evaluated 22 AcART and 53 AcSP at 1-2\xa0years after menarche. The participants were born at term (≥37\xa0weeks of gestation) with normal birth weights (≥2500\xa0g) from singleton pregnancies.\n\n\nINTERVENTIONS\nNone.\n\n\nMAIN OUTCOME MEASURES\nDifferences in ovulation, reproductive hormones, and ovarian morphology.\n\n\nRESULTS\nAcART had an older age of menarche than that of AcSP, even after adjusting for maternal age at menarche, gestational age, and birth weight (P\xa0=\xa0.027). AcART had lower incidence of ovulation (P\xa0=\xa0.021) and higher luteinizing hormone serum levels (P\xa0=\xa0.01) 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.\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nAcART 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.