FAILURE TO COLLECT OOCYTES IN ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY - A RETROSPECTIVE

While there is much information and discussion on pregnancy failure af ter assisted reproductive technologies, less emphasis is placed on the failure to collect oocytes after apparently successful ovarian stimul ation, This retrospective survey reviewed 4973 treatment cycles in ord er to obtain information about the likelihood of this event. Overall 4 2 women (43 treatment cycles) failed to have oocytes collected [0.86% of treatments started and 0.92% of women given human chorionic gonadot rophin (HCG)], However, in only six cases was this failure unexpected (0.1%) with no obvious potential clinical reason (i.e. all six cases h ad: HCG administered; more than two follicles >15 mm in diameter; oest radiol values >2000 pmol/l; <38 years old; normal body mass index), In difference concerning uncommon events is fraught with peril, as althou gh rare, the particular outcome may be devastating to the individual, both economically and psychologically. Eighteen of the 42 women did no t return for on-going treatment suggesting increased contact by clinic staff may be required when oocyte retrieval is not achieved, These da ta suggest that the failure to collect oocytes after apparently succes sful ovarian stimulation is rare and random, The information has prove d useful in allaying the fears of couples contemplating assisted repro ductive technologies.