Background: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is characterized
by collection of fluid in third spaces in in vitro fertilization (IVF)
cycles and can result in the cancellation of the cycle and be fatal in 3 women
out of 100,000. The aim of this study is to compare the admission of human
chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) subcutaneously versus intracavitary during ovum
pick-up (OPU) in agonist induced ovulation in IVF cycles in terms of pregnancy
outcomes. Methods: This study was carried out in Kocaeli University
Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Assisted
Reproductive Techniques Clinic as a retrospective study. 157 patients who
underwent IVF treatment between January 2018 and February 2020, with 25
follicles detected in ultrasound and 1 mg of triptorelin acetate was administered
for ovulation trigger, and 36 hours later of whom 20 oocytes were
obtained in OPU were enrolled in this study. 109 patients who were administered
1500 IU of hCG subcutaneously belonged to Group 1, and 1500 IU hCG was administered
intracavitary to 48 patients as Group 2. Results: Infertility causes,
and characteristics of both groups were similar. Number of retrieved oocytes,
Metaphase 2 (MII) oocytes and fertilization rates were similar in both groups.
Implantation rate per embryo transferred was higher in the intracavitary group
(p = 0.01). There was no significant difference for pregnancy
rate, clinical pregnancy rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, livebirth rate and OHSS
frequency between both groups. Twin pregnancy rate was significantly higher in
the intracavitary group. Conclusions: Administration of 1500 IU hCG
intracavitary at the time of OPU is associated with improved implantation rates
when compared to subcutaneous hCG administration without a significant raise in
OHSS occurrence. Prospective, randomized studies with bigger patient cohort are
needed.