Repeated recovery of immature oocytes in a woman with a previous history of empty follicle syndrome.

The empty follicle syndrome (EFS) is defined as a failure to aspirate any oocyte (s) from the follicles after ovarian hyperstimulation in preparation for IVF/ICSI. It is a frustrating and vague syndrome; and a controversial one concerning its existence, causes and possible treatment. Recurrent EFS or the recovery of immature oocytes thereafter is a more challenging problem. Delayed injection after leaving the immature oocytes for in vitro -maturation (IVM) has been suggested to be a possible option if immature oocytes are retrieved. Here, we present a case of repeated retrieval of a few immature oocytes after a first incidence of EFS. IVM was tried twice for those immature oocytes. Unfortunately, in this case IVM was unsuccessful and the oocytes failed to mature in vitro . Assistance is required for future management of these unfortunate couples.