TRANSFER OF EMBRYOS FROM YEAST-COLONIZED DISHES

Objective: To report yeast colonization in IVF dishes, where ET was ca rried out, and the IVF outcome was not compromised. Design: Retrospect ive study of patients who underwent IVF cycle during the last 4 years. Setting: In vitro fertilization program at the Shaare-Zedek hospital in Jerusalem. Patients: Five couples who underwent standard IVF cycles and whose dishes were colonized with yeast. After thorough discussion ET was carried out. Results: Although colonized with yeast, the quali ty of the embryos was not compromised. One to three of these embryos w ere transferred. All five women conceived. Conclusions: In vitro ferti lization outcome is not necessarily compromised by yeast colonization. Nevertheless, the possible teratogenic effect of yeast on embryos has not been investigated and research is required to address this concer n.