[Outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer and intracytoplasmic sperm injection for non-male infertility patients with a low number of oocytes retrieved].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in non-male infertility patients with a low number of oocytes retrieved and provide evidences for defining the indications of ICSI. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted among 220 non-male infertility patients with a low number of oocyte retrieved(≤5) including 151 receiving IVF and 69 undergoing ICSI. The baseline characteristics, ovary response index, fertilization results, embryo quality and clinical outcomes were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Although the fertilization rates, normal fertilization rates, complete fertilization failure rates, cleavage rates, good embryo rates, implantation rates and clinical pregnancy rates showed no significant differences between the 2 groups, the complete fertilization failure rates tended to decrease and the other indices tended to increase in IVF group. CONCLUSIONS: ICSI can not improve the fertilization results, embryonic development potential or clinical outcomes in non-male infertility patients with a low number of oocytes retrieved, and is therefore not recommended for these patients.