Human Reproduction, Vol 13, 84-87, Copyright © 1998 by Oxford University Press
GL Driscoll, JP Tyler, DC Knight, S Cooke, L Kime, L Clark and J Bernstein
While there is much information and discussion on pregnancy failure after
assisted reproductive technologies, less emphasis is placed on the failure
to collect oocytes after apparently successful ovarian stimulation. This
retrospective survey reviewed 4973 treatment cycles in order to obtain
information about the likelihood of this event. Overall 42 women (43
treatment cycles) failed to have oocytes collected [0.86% of treatments
started and 0.92% of women given human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG)].
However, in only six cases was this failure unexpected (0.1%) with no
obvious potential clinical reason (i.e. all six cases had: HCG
administered; more than two follicles >15 mm in diameter; oestradiol
values >2000 pmol/l; <38 years old; normal body mass index).
Indifference concerning uncommon events is fraught with peril, as although
rare, the particular outcome may be devastating to the individual, both
economically and psychologically. Eighteen of the 42 women did not return
for on-going treatment suggesting increased contact by clinic staff may be
required when oocyte retrieval is not achieved. These data suggest that the
failure to collect oocytes after apparently successful ovarian stimulation
is rare and random. The information has proved useful in allaying the fears
of couples contemplating assisted reproductive technologies.
ARTICLES
Failure to collect oocytes in assisted reproductive technology: a retrospective
CityWest IVF, Westmead, NSW, Australia.
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