Safety and effectiveness of controlled ovarian stimulation and oocyte retrieval during prepubertal and peripubertal period.

PURPOSE: Is it safe and effective to perform controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) and oocyte retrieval (OR) in prepubertal and peripubertal patients? METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, data of 20 pre-/peripubertal patients who underwent COS and OR for the purpose of oocyte cryopreservation (OC) between 2008 and 2023 were reviewed. Following COS, all OR procedures were performed transabdominally using a vaginal ultrasound probe. Ovarian reserve was assessed by serum FSH, LH, estradiol, AMH, and antral follicle counts (AFC) in all subjects. All mature oocytes were vitrified. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 15.05 ± 1.87, mean AMH was 0.84 ± 0.8 ng/ml, mean FSH was 6.39 ± 3.95 IU/L, mean estradiol was 61.6 ± 51.9 pg/ml, mean LH was 4.69 ± 3.46 IU/L, and mean AFC was 5.5 ± 5.82. Among the patients, 12 had regular menstrual cycle, 5 had irregular menstrual cycle, whereas 3 patients still did not have their menarche yet. The indications for OC were as follows: primary ovarian insufficiency (n = 7), ovarian surgery for ovarian tumors (n = 5) or ovarian torsion (n = 1), mosaic Turner syndrome (n = 2), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (n = 1) anaplastic B-cell lymphoma (n = 1), Ewing's sarcoma (n = 1), Noonan syndrome (n = 1), and Thalassemia (n = 1). The mean number of oocytes retrieved, MII oocytes frozen, and maturation rate were 5.11 ± 5.0, 3.92 ± 4.48, and 75.1 ± 25.6%, respectively. Stepwise linear regression analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between AFC and number of total oocytes retrieved and number of MII oocytes. In the case diagnosed with Noonan syndrome, all 7 retrieved oocytes were MI and all frozen at MI phase. No patient had any complication related to COS or OR. CONCLUSION: Even though number of the enrolled subjects is limited and mean AMH is lower in our cohort, we demonstrated that performing COS and OR is safe in pre-/peripubertal patients. If required, transabdominal route can be performed in this age group for OR. AFC appears as a prognostic factor for stimulation outcome in this age group. Pediatric patients or young adolescents at risk for primary ovarian insufficiency should not be discouraged from utilizing OC.

A case study of transneovaginal oocyte retrieval after novel Lee's neovaginoplasty in Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a rare congenital disorder that results in vaginal agenesis. Lee's neovaginoplasty is a novel surgery for reconstructing the vagina. Transneovaginal oocyte retrieval completely changes the scope of fertility for patients with MRKH syndrome who have undergone neovaginal reconstruction. CASE REPORT: A 22-year-old female with type 1 MRKH syndrome underwent Lee's neovaginoplasty successfully. Four years later, she sought embryo cryopreservation consultation and underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Upon examination, her anti-Müllerian hormone level was 1.97 ng/ml and she had only eight antral follicles. The neovaginal length was 8 cm with elasticity and extensibility. Transneovaginal oocyte retrieval was performed under ultrasound guidance, and seven oocytes were retrieved. The follicle-to-oocyte index was 87.5%. CONCLUSION: Lee's neovaginoplasty is a promising surgery for reconstructing the vagina in MRKH syndrome, and this case shows that transneovaginal oocyte retrieval can be successfully performed after vaginal reconstruction. This technique provides a minimally invasive option for retrieving oocytes in patients of MRKH syndrome.

GnRH agonist-only trigger, compared to dual trigger, reduces oocyte retrieval rate in high responders without affecting cumulative live birth rate.

Introduction: This study compared, in high responders undergoing IVF treatment, GnRH agonist-only trigger and dual trigger on oocyte retrieval rate and cumulative live birth rate (LBR). The aim was to determine if the GnRH agonist-only triggers had provided outcomes comparable to dual trigger, while minimizing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Materials and methods: A retrospective, matched case-control study was conducted at Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan, including women who underwent IVF/ICSI between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2022. Inclusion criteria were: GnRH antagonist protocol and estrogen level >3,000 pg/ml on trigger day. Exclusion criteria were: immune/metabolic diseases, donated oocytes, and mixed stimulation cycles. Propensity score matching was applied to balance age, AMH level, and oocyte number between the GnRH agonist-only and dual trigger groups. Outcomes were analyzed for patients who had complete treatment cycles, focusing on oocyte retrieval rate and cumulative LBR. Results: We analyzed 116 cycles in the agonist-only group, and 232 cycles in the dual trigger group. No inter-group difference was found in their age, BMI, and AMH levels. The dual trigger group had a higher oocyte retrieval rate (93% vs. 80%; p <0.05), while fertilization rates, blastocyst formation rates, and cumulative LBR were comparable. Notably, no OHSS cases had been reported in the GnRH agonist-only group, compared with 7 cases in the dual trigger group. Conclusion: GnRH agonist-only triggers resulted in a lower oocyte retrieval rate compared to dual triggers but did not significantly affect cumulative LBR in high responders. This approach effectively reduces OHSS risk without compromising pregnancy outcomes, making it a preferable option in freeze-all strategies, despite a longer oocyte pick-up duration and a medium cost. GnRH agonist-only trigger, however, may not be suitable for fresh embryo transfers or patients with low serum LH levels on trigger day.

Development of an AI-based support system for controlled ovarian stimulation.

Purpose: Controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) is vital for IVF. We have developed an AI system to support the implementation of COS protocols in our clinical group. Methods: We developed two models as AI algorithms of the AI system. One was the oocyte retrieval decision model, to determine the timing of oocyte retrieval, and the other was the prescription inference model, to provide a prescription similar to that of an expert physician. Data was obtained from IVF treatment records from the In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) management system at the Asada Ladies Clinic, and these models were trained with this data. Results: The oocyte retrieval decision model achieved superior sensitivity and specificity with 0.964 area under the curve (AUC). The prescription inference model achieved an AUC value of 0.948. Four models, namely the hCG prediction model, the hMG prediction model, the Cetrorelix prediction model, and the Estradiol prediction model included in the prescription inference model, achieved AUC values of 0.914, 0.937, 0.966, and 0.976, respectively. Conclusion: The AI algorithm achieved high accuracy and was confirmed to be useful. The AI system has now been implemented as a COS tool in our clinical group for self-funded treatments.

Successful ultrasound-guided ovum pick-up (OPU) and subsequent in vitro embryo production in a domestic cat.

Ovum Pick Up (OPU) is a minimally invasive technique widely used in cattle and mares for oocyte retrieval, involving ultrasound-guided puncture of ovarian follicles. It has been demonstrated that this technique is safe for its repeated use in the same female without affecting her reproductive health, allowing for the retrieval of oocytes in individuals regardless of their reproductive status. The oocytes obtained through OPU can subsequently be used for in vitro embryo production (IVP) using assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) or be cryopreserved in biobanks for their future use. Traditionally, the minimally invasive technique of choice performed in vivo in domestic and wild felines was LOPU (laparoscopic-guided ovum pick up). The present study was designed to explore if ultrasound-guided OPU in the domestic cat is safe and effective. In an initial series of ex vivo experiments (n = 92 ovaries, n = 434 oocytes), the effect of different aspiration pressures for oocyte collection was explored. These experiments identified 43 mmHg as the optimal aspiration pressure, resulting in the highest recovery rate and a favorable maturation and blastocyst rate. Subsequently, 16 grade I and II oocytes were retrieved by OPU and 101 oocytes were retrieved following ovariectomy and slicing. Sixteen oocytes obtained with each technique were subjected to in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). A total of 14 presumptive zygotes were selected for in vitro culture (IVC) from each group (OPU and slicing), obtaining a cleavage rate of 57.1 % and 64.2 %, a morula rate of 28.5 % in both groups, and a blastocyst rate of 7.14 % and 14.2 % respectively. The hormonal stimulation protocol was well-tolerated, with no adverse effects observed. Moreover, no complications arose during the ovariectomy performed post-OPU. The use of this technique in domestic cats represents a significant step forward in terms of safety, replicability, and invasiveness, serving as a valuable model for its application in wild felids species. Additional research involving a greater number of animals is required to validate these encouraging findings.

Factors associated with successful intraoperative oocyte retrieval for fertility preservation during open pelvic surgery for gynecologic indications.

OBJECTIVE: The study investigated factors associated with successful intra-operative oocyte retrieval for fertility preservation during transabdominal gynecologic surgery. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 29 patients who underwent intraoperative oocyte retrieval during staging surgery at a single academic hospital from May 2014 to August 2022 were enrolled in this study, and their outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 29 patients who underwent intra-operative oocyte retrieval during staging surgery, oocytes were obtained in 24 patients, representing 82.8 % of the retrieval rate (24/29), and two patients returned to use cryopreserved oocytes (6.9 %). Among 24 women who succeeded in obtaining oocytes, 20 patients succeeded in oocyte cryopreservation, and two patients proceeded to embryo cryopreservation. The cryopreservation rate was 91.7 % (22/24). All patients with failed oocyte retrieval (n = 5) and cryopreservation (n = 7) were diagnosed with malignancy. AMH of those with successful cryopreservation oocytes was higher than those without cryopreservation (4.10 ng/mL vs. 1.18 ng/mL, p = 0.003). A higher portion of the unstimulated cycle was observed in those with failed cryopreservation (8.3 % vs. 40.0 %, p = 0.01). No complications were noted. CONCLUSION: For women planning to undergo open pelvic surgery, intra-operative oocyte retrieval is a feasible option. High serum AMH and ovarian stimulation before surgery may predict successful oocyte cryopreservation.

A Bizarre Case of Periovarian Hematoma in a Patient Undergoing Controlled Ovarian Stimulation Managed Conservatively.

Background: The occurrence of ovarian hematoma during controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) is very rare. Until now, there is no such case reported in the literature. In this study, an attempt was made to discuss the possible mechanisms for the development of hematoma in such patients, the clinical presentation, monitoring, and management of these cases. Case Presentation: A rare case of periovarian hematoma was reported in a patient with a history of endometriosis undergoing ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization. On the seventh day of stimulation, the patient complained of severe pain in the abdomen. Her vitals and blood investigations were within normal limits. On abdominal examination, mild tenderness was noted in the left iliac fossa. On vaginal examination, fullness and tenderness were noted in the left fornix. On ultrasound, probe tenderness was present and a left ovarian hematoma measuring 2.0×1.81×1.55 cm was observed. She was managed conservatively. The hematoma exhibited a gradual reduction following the pick-up procedure and eventually resolved completely within a month. Conclusion: Underlying endometriosis could be one of the possible causes of this periovarian hematoma. A conservative approach with close monitoring forms the first-line management in hemodynamically stable patients.

Comparison of a Reduced Needle With a Thin Tip and a Standard Thin Needle (Same Width Overall) for Oocyte Retrieval.

INTRODUCTION: At our facility, oocyte retrieval had previously been performed with a 20-gauge standard needle that is uniformly thin overall (tSN); but recently, we have instead started using reduced needles, with a 20-gauge tip and 17-gauge body (RN). Until now, there have been comparisons between RN and thick standard needles, but there have been no comparisons between RN and tSN. The purpose of this study was to compare oocyte retrieval outcomes using RN with tSN. METHODOLOGY:  Information on oocyte retrieval was extracted from the medical records of 304 cycles performed at our facility from January 2020 to December 2023. The oocyte retrieval outcomes of the two types of needles were compared retrospectively with respect to age, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), procedure time, additional sedatives, number of follicles punctured, number of oocytes retrieved, number of oocytes fertilized, oocyte recovery rate, and fertilization rate. RESULTS: When AMH ≥ 1.2 ng/mL, the procedure time was 9.3 ± 3.7 and 12.1 ± 4.6 minutes in the RN and tSN groups, respectively (P < 0.001), and the need for additional sedatives was also significantly different: 54.0% in the RN group and 78.5% in the tSN group (P = 0.002). The oocyte recovery rate was significantly different between the RN and tSN groups at 65.3% and 61.2%, respectively (P = 0.046), and the fertilization rate was significantly different between the RN and tSN groups at 56.8% and 66.8%, respectively (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences by age, AMH, number of follicles punctured, number of oocytes retrieved, or number of oocytes fertilized. CONCLUSIONS: Without diminished ovarian reserve, RN reduced procedure time and the need for additional sedatives compared to tSN. In addition, the number of oocytes fertilized per oocyte retrieval remained the same, indicating that oocyte retrieval performance was not affected.

The Covid-19 Infection Effect on Assisted Reproductive Method Outcomes.

Objective: COVID-19 can have potential pathogenic effects on the oocyte and embryos, but there is limited data about its impact. This study aimed to investigate the COVID-19 impact on the outcome of Assisted Reproduction Techniques (ART) methods. Materials and methods: This case-control study was conducted on 190 infertile women who underwent oocyte retrieval at Yas Hospital in vitro fertilization (IVF) department affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences, from October 2021 to October 2022. The case group was defined as women whose PCR test was positive on puncture day and the control group was women with COVID-19 negative tests on puncture day. The study outcome measurements included the number of oocytes retrieved and the number and quality of embryos. Finally, the data were analyzed by SPSS 24. Results: The mean age of the participants was 32.89 ± 5.58 years with an age range of 18-49 years. No significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding baseline variables. The mean number of oocytes was significantly (p =0.001) lower in the case (6.68±4.25) group versus the control (9.07±4.10) group. While there was no statistically significant difference regarding the mean number of embryos in the study groups, No grade A embryos were observed in more than half (57.5%) of the women in the case group. Furthermore, the frequency of grade C embryos on average was 1.08±1.11 in the case group and 0.57±0.75 in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (p =0.010). Conclusion: The findings of this research highlighted that women infected with COVID-19 on the puncture day have a lower number of oocytes and also good-quality embryos.

Impact of Luteinizing Hormone on IVF/ICSI Assisted Reproduction on the Initiation Day of Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone Antagonist Protocol.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to explore the optimal timing of gonadotropin initiation and the reasonable interval of luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in the gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-A) protocol. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the data concerning the oocyte retrieval cycles from 1,361 cases with the GnRH-A protocol implemented. The ovarian responses (including AMH, AFC) in these patients were divided into the poor ovarian response group (an antral follicle count [AFC] ≤ 6, n = 394), the normal ovarian response group (an AFC > 6 and < 15, n = 570), and the high ovarian response group (an AFC ≥ 15, n = 397), according to the AFC. The patients were sub-grouped according to LH levels on the protocol initiation day, and the clinical outcomes (including dose of Gn initiation, Gn administration days, GnRH-ant administration days, P levels on the HCG day, E2 levels on the HCG day, LH levels on the HCG day, number of embryos transferred, total fertilization rate, embryo implantation rate(%), proportion of 2PN, proportion of good-quality embryos, endometrial thickness on the hCG injection day(mm), moderate to severe OHSS, AFC on the initiation day, proportion of type A endometrium on the hCG injection day, clinical pregnancy rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, early abortion rate, ectopic pregnancy rate) were compared. RESULTS: On the GnRH-A protocol initiation day, among all patients with different ovarian responses, the body mass index (BMI) in those with an LH ≥ 5 IU/L was lower. The differences in pregnancy outcomes between the LH < 5 IU/L group and the LH ≥ 5 IU/L group were not statistically significant across the different ovarian response groups, but the LH < 5 IU/L group had a higher proportion of good-quality embryos (80.3±24.9 vs. 74.8±26.9, P =0.035) than the LH≥5IU/Lgroup in those with poor ovarian response. The total fertilization rate (82.2±18.1 vs 85.4±15.1, P =0.021) and proportion of two pronuclei (2PN) (69.0±20.9 vs 72.7±19.9, P =0.035) were higher in the LH ≥ 5 IU/L group than the LH<5 IU/L group for those with normal ovarian responses. The embryo implantation rate (41.4±41.3 vs 52.6±43.4, P =0.012) was higher in the LH ≥ 5 IU/L group than in the LH<5 IU/L group in those with high ovarian response. The results of the multivariate logistic analysis showed that the age of the female partner, number of embryos transferred, proportion of good-quality embryos, endometrial thickness on the hCG injection day, and moderate- to-severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) were independent factors correlated with the outcome of live births (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The LH levels on the gonadotropins (Gn) initiation day in the GnRH-A protocol will not affect pregnancy outcomes.

Predictive model of IVF outcomes for polycystic ovarian morphology and polycystic ovary syndrome in GnRH antagonist protocol using AMH-MoM and ovarian sensitivity index.

AIM: To evaluate the relationship between AMH and ovarian response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in women with PCOM and PCOS. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 559 patients who underwent the IVF-ET cycle between January 2018 and December 2022 at Gangnam Cha Hospital. Patients were divided into 3 groups matched for age and BMI: the PCOS group (n = 54), based on the new 2023 PCOS guideline; the PCOM group (n = 53); and the control group (n = 452) with normal ovaries. Serum AMH levels were converted to multiples of the median (MoM) for each corresponding age. The ovarian sensitivity index (OSI) was calculated as the number of retrieved oocytes divided by the total dose of recombinant FSH administered (per 1000 IU). RESULTS: There were significant differences in AMH-MoM value among women with PCOS [2.7 ± 1.3 (95% CI 2.3-3.0)], those with PCOM [2.0 ± 1.0 (95% CI 1.7-2.3)], and controls [0.8 ± 0.7 (95% CI 0.8-0.9)] (p < 0.001). The abortion rates in the normoovulatory, PCOM, and PCOS groups were 18.2%, 21.1%, and 25.0%, respectively. OSI and live birth rate were positively correlated with the AMH-MoM value in normoovulatory women (r = 0.389, p < 0.05, r = 0.122, p < 0.05), while no such correlation was observed in women with PCOM and PCOS. CONCLUSIONS: Ovarian response and live birth rate are possibly correlated with the AMH-MoM value in normoovulatory women, but not in women with PCOM and PCOS.

Outcomes of oocyte retrievals completed by reproductive endocrinology and infertility fellows versus faculty: a 7-year retrospective review.

PURPOSE: To examine outcomes of oocyte retrievals completed by Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) fellows versus faculty physicians. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study examined patients who underwent oocyte retrievals at Mayo Clinic from July 15, 2009, to December 15, 2016. The primary outcome was the oocyte retrieval rate (ORR) calculated per retrieval as the number of oocytes retrieved per follicles aspirated. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare follicle and oocyte counts and ORR between fellows and faculty during the same bilateral retrieval. RESULTS: The study cohort included the first bilateral retrieval from 845 unique patients completed by 11 fellows and seven faculty. The median ORR was not statistically different for fellows and faculty (0.79 versus 0.80, p = 0.46). To assess for a learning curve, the outcomes of seven fellows who completed at least 80 retrievals in their first year were examined as four chronologically ordered sets of 20. When these sets were compared to the faculty physician mean ORR, no significant differences were found (p-values of 0.69, 0.69, 0.81, and 0.81, respectively). CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in oocyte retrieval rates between fellows versus faculty over a 7-year period, with no significant learning curve observed. These findings suggest that fellows possess the requisite skills for successful oocyte retrieval upon entering REI fellowship following their OB/GYN residency. However, this does not diminish the critical role of comprehensive fellowship training and close supervision, especially in initial and complex cases.

Fertility preservation in female cancer patients in Brazil: perceptions and attitudes of infertility specialists.

Objective: Fertility preservation is a priority in oncology for female cancer patients. However, there is a lack of communication between infertility specialists and oncologists. This study aimed to evaluate infertility specialists' perceptions and experiences regarding fertility preservation. Methods: Conduct an online survey to profile infertility specialists. Participants were infertility affiliated with the Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations (FEBRASGO). The specialists received an online survey, which response rate were 30.9%, most of whom were in southern and southeastern. The survey consisted on 14 questions about the infertility specialists' location, techniques in clinical practice, treatment successful rate, patients idea, etc. Results: The average experience in human reproduction were 15.5 ± 10.2 years (mean ± standard deviation, range 1-40). Among reproductive-aged female cancer patients recommended for fertility preservation, 60.3 ± 28.8% (range 10-100%) underwent preservation procedures. Main barriers were cost (41%), oncologists' knowledge or acceptance (35%) and accessibility (9%). Most infertility specialists (58%) considered 40 years the limit for fertility preservation. Leukemia, lymphoma, breast and ovarian cancers were prioritized for fertility preservation, while lung, thyroid, gastric, and brain cancers were less relevant. Conclusion: This is the first Brazilian study about infertility specialists' perceptions on oncology patients access to fertility preservation. These patients primarily receive treatment in the public health system, while infertility specialists mainly work in the private healthcare. This healthcare mode is currently fragmented, but integrating these experts is enhancing patient access to fertility preservation. Studies on this topic are still warranted.

Effect of intravenous anesthetic drugs on fertilization rate in oocyte retrieval.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of intravenous anesthetic drugs on fertilization rate in subjects receiving oocyte retrieval by assisted reproduction technology (ART). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was designed. The clinical information of subjects who received oocyte retrieval procedure was collected. The subjects were divided into two groups based on the type of anesthesia used: the no-anesthesia group and the intravenous anesthesia group. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. Fertilization rate was compared between the two groups before and after PSM. RESULTS: A total of 765 subjects were divided into two groups: the no-anesthesia group (n = 482) and the intravenous anesthesia group (n = 283). According to propensity scores, 258 pairs of subjects were well matched, and the baseline data between the two groups were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Fertilization rate was 77% in the intravenous anesthesia group, and 76% in the no-anesthesia group, without significant between-group difference (P = 0.685). Before matching, Poisson regression analysis showed no effect of intravenous anesthetic drugs on fertilization rate (RR = 0.859, 95%CI: 0.59 to 1.25, P = 0.422). After matching, no difference was found either (RR = 0.935, 95%CI: 0.67 to 1.29, P = 0.618). CONCLUSION: Intravenous anesthetic drugs may exert no effects on fertilization rate in subjects receiving ART.

Is there a preferred time interval between gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist trigger and oocyte retrieval in GnRH antagonist cycles? A retrospective cohort of planned fertility preservation cycles.

BACKGROUND: The ideal time frame between gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist (GnRHa) trigger administration and oocyte retrieval in GnRH antagonist cycles has not been well studied. Our goal was to evaluate the effect of this time interval on oocyte yield and oocyte maturation rate in GnRH antagonist cycles designated for non-medical ("planned") oocyte cryopreservation. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study including patients who underwent elective fertility preservation, using the GnRH antagonist protocol and exclusively triggered by GnRH-agonist. We focused on the effect of the trigger-to-retrieval time interval on oocyte yield and maturation rate, while also incorporating age, body mass index (BMI), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, basal Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels, as well as the type and dosage of gonadotropin FSH medication. RESULTS: 438 cycles were included. Trigger-to-retrieval time interval ranged from 32.03 to 39.92 h. The mean oocyte yield showed no statistically significant difference when comparing retrievals < 36 h (n = 240, 11.86 ± 8.6) to those triggered at ≥ 36 h (n = 198, 12.24 ± 7.73) (P = 0.6). Upon dividing the cohort into four-time quartiles, no significant differences in the number of retrieved oocytes were observed (P = 0.54). Multivariate regression analysis failed to reveal any significant associations between the interval and the aforementioned variables. CONCLUSIONS: The GnRHa trigger to oocyte retrieval interval range in our cohort did not significantly affect oocyte yield and maturation rate.

Predictive Role of Progesterone Levels for IVF Outcome in Different Phases of Controlled Ovarian Stimulation for Patients With and Without Endometriosis: Expert View.

The study aimed to review the role of basal, trigger, and aspiration day progesterone levels (PLs) as predictors of in vitro fertilization (IVF) success for patients with and without endometriosis. A non-systematic review was conducted by searching papers published in English during the period of 1990-2023 in MEDLINE and PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Methodology Register), and Web of Science. The most widely used IVF predictor success was the trigger day progesterone serum level. Many studies utilize the threshold level of 1.5-2.0 ng/ml. However, the predictive power of only progesterone level failed to show high sensitivity and specificity. Contrary, progesterone level on the trigger day combined with the number of mature retrieved oocytes had the highest predictive power. High baseline progesterone level was associated with poor IVF outcomes. Research on progesterone and IVF success in patients with endometriosis is limited but indicates that endometriosis patients seem to benefit from higher progesterone concentrations (≥ 37.1 ng/ml) in IVF cycles. Currently, there is limited data for a definitive insight into the mportance of progesterone in the estimation of IVF success. Nonetheless, this summarized evidence could serve as up-to-date guidance for the role of progesterone in the prediction of IVF outcomes, both in patients with and without endometriosis.

The Implications of Double Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Trigger on a Pseudo-Empty Follicle Syndrome Patient Seeking Infertility Treatment Through Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).

In the field of assisted reproductive technology (ART), empty follicle syndrome (EFS) is a known condition in which no oocytes are found despite adequate follicular development, which leads to a troublesome situation for patients seeking infertility treatment. In this case study, an EFS patient seeking treatment for infertility at an in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinic was examined to determine the effects of employing a double human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger. The final oocyte maturation and retrieval are induced by using the double hCG trigger, which includes giving two doses of hCG. In this particular patient, the study looks at the results of follicular development, oocyte retrieval, fertilization rates, embryo quality, and pregnancy rates. The conclusion provides information on how well the double hCG trigger affects treatment outcomes for EFS patients. According to the results of this case study, the two-stage hCG trigger procedure is suggested to enhance the results of oocyte retrieval in the uncategorized EFS patient. In all cycles after the procedural change, the double trigger's application led to effective oocyte maturation and retrieval. The study also showed that the double hCG trigger procedure had no negative consequences on patient safety or ovarian response. There were also no signs of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) or any other problems. Due to the higher likelihood of oocyte retrieval, the patient also reported better emotional health and less anxiety during subsequent treatment cycles. The positive result of this case study demonstrates the potential advantages of a double hCG trigger procedure in pseudo-EFS patients receiving IVF treatment. When handling EFS cases, this modified strategy may be used as a potential answer by infertility clinics. The effectiveness and safety of the double hCG trigger procedure still need to be confirmed by doing randomized controlled trials on larger populations in order to validate the result.

Comparison In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes between DouStim and Minimal Stimulation Protocols in Poor Ovarian Responders: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Various protocols have been approved to improve the response rate leading to successful fertilization in poor ovarian responders (PORs). The application of double ovarian stimulation (DuoStim) in the follicular and luteal phases of the same ovarian cycle has been shown as an intriguing option to achieve more oocyte retrievals in the shortest time. The aim of the current study is to compare the outcomes of different protocols, minimal stimulation (MS) and Duostim. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized clinical trial was performed on 42 in vitro fertilization (IVF) candidates with POR diagnosis. Patients were classified into two equal groups and treated with the DuoStim protocol and MS protocol. The IVF outcomes, including retrieved follicles, oocytes, metaphase II (MII) oocytes and embryos, were compared between these groups. RESULTS: The patients' characteristics including age, anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and antral follicle count (AFC) were collected and compared. It showed there was no significant difference between the two groups baseline characteristics (P>0.05). We observed that the DuoStim protocol resulted in a significantly higher score in comparison with the MS protocols , including the number of follicles (6.23 ± 2.93 vs. 1.77 ± 1.66, P<0.001), retrieved oocytes (3.86 ± 2.57 vs. 1.68 ± 1.58, P=0.002), MII oocytes (3.36 ± 2.42 vs. 1.27 ± 1.27, P=0.001) and obtained embryos (2.04 ± 1.64 vs. 0.77 ± 0.86, P=0.003). CONCLUSION: The DuoStim protocol is a favourable and time saving plan that is associated with more oocytes in a single stimulation cycle. The DuoStim protocol significantly can result in more frequent MII oocytes and embryos. We figured that the higher number of oocytes and embryos might have led to a higher rate of pregnancy (registration number: IRCT20200804048303N1).

Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation benefits postoperative pain relief of oocyte retrieval: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Transvaginal oocyte retrieval is frequently followed by adverse events related to anesthesia and the procedure. Some research showed that transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) can relieve intraoperative pain and postoperative nausea. OBJECTIVE: This study examined whether TEAS can alleviate pain and relieve adverse symptoms after oocyte retrieval. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: Altogether 128 patients were randomly divided into the TEAS group and the mock TEAS group. The two groups received a 30-minute-long TEAS or mock TEAS treatment that began 30 min after oocyte retrieval. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score. Secondary outcomes were pressure pain threshold, McGill score, pain rating index (PRI), present pain intensity (PPI), VAS stress score, VAS anxiety score, and postoperative adverse symptoms. RESULTS: The baseline characteristics of the two groups were comparable (P > 0.05). The VAS pain scores of the TEAS group were lower than those of the mock TEAS group at 60 and 90 min after oocyte retrieval (P < 0.05). The McGill score, PRI and PPI in the TEAS group were significantly lower than those in the control group at 60 min after oocyte retrieval (P < 0.05). However, the two groups had equivalent beneficial effects regarding the negative emotions, such as nervousness and anxiety (P > 0.05). The TEAS group was superior to the mock TEAS group for relieving postoperative adverse symptoms (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: TEAS treatment can relieve postoperative pain and postoperative adverse symptoms for patients undergoing oocyte retrieval. Please cite this article as: Liu LY, Su Y, Wang RR, Lai YY, Huang L, Li YT, Tao XY, Su MH, Zheng XY, Huang SC, Wu YN, Yu SY, Liang FR, Yang J. Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation benefits postoperative pain relief of oocyte retrieval: A randomized controlled trial. J Integr Med. 2024; 22(1): 32-38.