Transrectal oocyte retrieval for fertility preservation in virginal women

Abstract

Research QuestionFertility preservation faces barriers due to sociocultural and religious factors in some countries for nulliparous women who are virgins. Transrectal oocyte retrieval is an alternative technique which can address this by circumventing sensitivities around pelvic procedures in such women who require to have oocyte cryopreservation for medical or social reasons. The study aims to evaluate safety and efficacy of Transrectal oocyte retrieval (TROR) procedure for fertility preservation in these women. DesignA retrospective single centre study of 105 nulliparous women from five satellites of Fakih IVF in the United Arab Emirates, who underwent TROR for oocyte cryopreservation. Extensive bowel preparation and rectal cleansing was performed prior to oocyte retrieval. Outcome and safety data were collected on patient characteristics, stimulation protocols, oocyte yield in relation to age, AMH, number of follicles, and BMI. ResultsThis study evaluated 105 patients who underwent 152 cycles of ovarian stimulation and TROR. The most common indication was social fertility preservation. Correlation with patient characteristics included age, and AMH were performed. AMH showed a statically significant positive correlation with number of oocytes (p≤0.003). No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed. ConclusionOur study demonstrated that TROR is Our study demonstrated that TROR is an alternative and clinically-effective oocyte harvesting procedure in ART, producing good results in terms of oocyte yield, with no complications and good safety profile. Although Transvaginal oocyte retrieval remains the gold standard treatment, for virginal women where transvaginal oocyte retrieval is not an option, TROR is safe and effective.