Transrectal oocyte retrieval for fertility preservation in virginal women

Research question

How safe and effective is transrectal oocyte retrieval (TROR) for fertility preservation in nulliparous virginal women?

Design

This was a retrospective single-centre study of 105 nulliparous women from five satellite centres of Fakih IVF, UAE, who underwent TROR for oocyte cryopreservation. Extensive bowel preparation and rectal cleansing was performed prior to oocyte retrieval. Patient characteristics, stimulation protocol, and procedure outcome and safety data were collected. Correlation analyses of the number of follicles and oocyte yield in relation to age and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentration, and the number of follicles in relation to oocyte yield were performed.

Results

This study evaluated 105 patients who underwent 152 cycles of ovarian stimulation and TROR. The most common indication was social fertility preservation. A significant positive correlation was found between the AMH concentration and number of oocytes (r = 0.83, P < 0.003). No intra-operative or postoperative complications were observed.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that TROR is an alternative and clinically effective oocyte harvesting procedure in assisted reproductive technology, producing good results in terms of oocyte yield, with no complications and a good safety profile. Although transvaginal oocyte retrieval remains the gold-standard treatment, TROR is safe and effective for virginal women in whom transvaginal oocyte retrieval is not an option.