Effect of methotrexate exposure on subsequent fertility in women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the pregnancy rate, ovarian responsiveness, and endometrial thickness in infertility patients with a history of methotrexate exposure who subsequently underwent controlled ovarian stimulation.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: University reproductive endocrinology and infertility program.

Subject(s): Forty-eight women with infertility undergoing ovarian stimulation after receiving methotrexate treatment for ectopic gestation.

Intervention(s): Methotrexate administration and controlled ovarian stimulation.

Main outcome measure(s): Pregnancy rate, cycle day 3 FSH levels, number of oocytes retrieved, and endometrial thickness.

Result(s): The cumulative intrauterine pregnancy rate achieved with controlled ovarian stimulation at 2 years after methotrexate exposure was 43%, with a mean time to conceive of 181 days. Thirty-five patients with similar fertility treatments pre- and post-methotrexate were identified. Within this group, when an IVF cycle occurred within 180 days of methotrexate exposure, a significant decline in oocytes retrieved was observed. Cycles performed later than 180 days after methotrexate exposure did not exhibit a decrease in oocyte production. Endometrial development was similar at all time points examined.

Conclusion(s): These findings suggest a time-limited and reversible impact of methotrexate on oocyte yield. If confirmed by larger clinical series and/or animal data, these results may impact the management of ectopic gestation in the patient with a history of infertility or the timing of subsequent treatments.