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-old patient with secondary tubal infertility, whereas in a previous cycle nine oocytes were obtained under the same ovarian stimulation protocol as used in the studied cycle. Oocyte retrieval failed in spite of the correct administration of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) as demonstrated by serum β-HCG concentration (58.6 mIU/ml) on day HCG+1. However, it was shown that progesterone failed to rise even after the administration of exogenous HCG as the luteinizing hormone signal. Therefore, when ovum retrieval fails, the serum progesterone as well as β-HCG concentrations may be useful to help identify the cause of this unusual event. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]