Failed oocyte retrieval in in-vitro fertilization with documented positive serum {beta}-human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) concentration on day HCG+1

No oocytes were obtained at ovum retrieval in a 33-year-oldpatient with secondary tubal infertility, whereas in a previouscycle nine oocytes were obtained under the same ovarian stimulationprotocol as used in the studied cycle. Oocyte retrieval failedin spite of the correct administration of human chorionic gonadotrophin(HCG) as demonstrated by serum -HCG concentration (58.6 mIU/ml)on day HCG+1. However, it was shown that progesterone failedto rise even after the administration of exogenous HCG as theluteinizing hormone signal. Therefore, when ovum retrieval fails,the serum progesterone as well as -HCG concentrations may beuseful to help identify the cause of this unusual event.