Transabdominal oocyte collection for fertility preservation in virgins using a vaginal probe: a cohort-control comparison with the transvaginal route

Requests for oocyte cryopreservation for social and medical fertility preservation have increased globally. In some Arab societies, virginal women may decline transvaginal oocyte collection (TVOC) for personal or cultural reasons, which may limit access to fertility preservation. Transabdominal oocyte collection (TAOC) represents a potential alternative; however, concerns remain regarding its feasibility and effect on oocyte yield. This study evaluated the outcomes of TAOC using a vaginal ultrasound probe in virginal women. This retrospective cohort-control study was conducted at a tertiary fertility centre in Jordan. Outcomes of ultrasound-guided TAOC using a vaginal probe in virginal women undergoing fertility preservation (Study Group, n = 39) were compared with two control groups undergoing TVOC: Control Group I consisted of non-virginal women undergoing fertility preservation (n = 47), and Control Group II consisted of infertile women undergoing ICSI (n = 60) matched for age and AMH. The primary outcomes were the total number of oocytes and the number of mature (MII) oocytes collected. The mean (± SD) number of oocytes collected was 7.2 ± 5.2 in the Study Group, 8.2 ± 4.5 in Control Group I, and 7.8 ± 5.3 in Control Group II (P = 0.5). Corresponding values for mature oocytes were 6.1 ± 4.4, 6.8 ± 3.5, and 6.1 ± 4.2, respectively (P = 0.6). No complications were recorded in any group. In this cohort, no statistically significant difference was detected in the number of total or mature oocytes collected between TAOC using a vaginal ultrasound probe and the standard transvaginal route. TAOC was technically feasible, but the study design, sample size, and limited outcome measures do not permit conclusions of equivalence.