Ovarian cyst aspiration prior to initiating ovarian hyperstimulation for in vitro fertilization

Twenty-three consecutive patients presenting for in vitro fertilization were evaluated with transvaginal sonography on cycle day 3, prior to initiating ovarian hyperstimulation. Three of these patients were noted to have large ovarian cysts. All three underwent transvaginal aspiration of the cysts, followed immediately by initiation of ovarian hyperstimulation. Following oocyte retrieval, in vitro fertilization, and embryo transfer, all three women achieved pregnancy. We conclude that cyst aspiration is not contraindicated when an ovarian cyst is encountered in the follicular phase of an in vitro fertilization cycle.