Aspiration of oocytes from the douglas pouch during in vitro fertilization (ivf) in cases of premature ovulation in patients with poor ovarian reserve (POR)
Hripsime Grigoryan, Eduard Hambartsoumian
Fertility center. Department of Human Reproduction at the NIH of Armenia.
Abstract
Background: As every oocyte counts, aspiration of the pouch of Douglas as an oocyte retrieval method could be beneficial for patients with POR in cases of premature ovulation. This procedure may prevent cycle cancellation by obtaining oocytes for fertilization and subsequent pregnancy.
Objective: The aim of this case report is to demonstrate the feasibility of retrieving oocytes from the pouch of Douglas in cases of premature ovulation in patients with POR and assess their viability.
Materials and Methods: A rare case of oocyte retrieval from the pouch of Douglas after premature ovulation in a patient with POR is presented. The procedure of oocyte aspiration and its subsequent successful fertilization by ICSI is described. Both oocytes retrieved from the pouch of Douglas were mature and viable, cultured up to day 3, and frozen. In the next menstrual cycle, the frozen embryo was thawed and transferred into the uterine cavity. A clinical pregnancy was registered with a positive heartbeat. Currently, the pregnancy is progressing without complications.
Conclusions: Oocyte retrieval from the pouch of Douglas may be an effective method in cases of premature ovulation in patients with POR.