Comparison of complication rates after transvaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte pick-up procedures with respect to ovarian response

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the complication rates of oocyte pick-up (OPU) procedures via transvaginal ultrasonography in patients with different levels of ovarian reserve. METHODS: In total, 789 patients who underwent OPU procedures for in vitro fertilization (IVF) were included in the study. RESULTS: Individuals with normal ovarian reserve had a 2.947-fold higher risk of complications in OPU procedures than individuals with low ovarian reserve, and individuals with high ovarian reserve had a 7.448-fold higher risk of complications than individuals with low ovarian reserve. In addition, a higher number of IVF trials was associated with an increased risk of complications. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that OPU has a higher risk of complications, particularly severe pain, in patients with high ovarian reserve. It is thought that complications can be reduced by preferring mild stimulation in patients with high ovarian reserve. Collecting fewer oocytes is also associated with a lower risk of complications from OPU. Even if a patient’s reserve is very good, fewer and higher-quality oocytes should be targeted with the use of the lowest possible dose of drugs.