Recurrent failure to recover oocytes supports the possibility of a genuine empty follicle syndrome

Abstract

Empty follicle syndrome (EFS) is defined as the failure to recover oocytes during ovum pick-up in an otherwise apparently normal ovarian stimulation IVF cycle. The etiology of this phenomenon is often unknown, but it has been claimed to be related to technical problem following errors in human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) administration or defects in HCG batches. The occurrence of recurrent EFS has been suggested based on incidental case reports and may serve as proof that EFS may occasionally present a genuine syndrome.