Myo-Inositol for Ovarian Stimulation and ICSI Outcomes in Women With PCOS

Impact of Inositol on Controlled Ovarian Stimulation & ICSI Outcome of Women With PCOS: Randomized Controlled Trial

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that may affect ovarian function, insulin sensitivity, and fertility. Myo-inositol has been proposed as an insulin-sensitizing supplement that may improve metabolic and reproductive outcomes in women with PCOS.

This randomized, double-blind clinical trial evaluated the effect of myo-inositol supplementation on controlled ovarian stimulation and assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes in women with PCOS undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and/or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). A total of 88 participants were randomly assigned to two parallel groups. The intervention group received myo-inositol combined with folic acid, while the control group received folic acid alone for 3 months before the ART cycle and until the day of oocyte retrieval.

The study assessed whether myo-inositol could improve metabolic and hormonal parameters, ovarian response to stimulation, oocyte and embryo quality, and pregnancy outcomes, while also evaluating ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female participants aged 18 to 40 years.
• Diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) according to the Rotterdam criteria.
• Normal thyroid hormone levels.
• Normal prolactin levels.
• Candidates for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and/or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous ovarian surgery.
• History of endometrioma.
• History of endocrine disease, including congenital adrenal hyperplasia or diabetes mellitus.
• Smoking.
• Known allergy to myo-inositol.
• Current use of oral contraceptive pills.
• Receipt of hormonal medications within the 3 months before study enrollment.
• Refusal to participate in the study.