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Related Concept Videos

Folliculogenesis01:20

Folliculogenesis

Folliculogenesis is the development of ovarian follicles, the specialized structures within the ovarian cortex where oogenesis, or egg development, occurs. This process is essential for female reproductive health and begins during fetal development when primordial follicles are formed. Each primordial follicle comprises a primary oocyte in the center, surrounded by a single layer of squamous pre-granulosa cells. These follicles remain dormant in late prophase I of meiosis until triggered by...
Ovarian Cycle01:27

Ovarian Cycle

The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle length...
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle01:30

Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle

The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle.  At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Oogenesis01:22

Oogenesis

Oogenesis,  the process of developing egg cells (female gametes), occurs within the ovaries and is fundamental to female fertility. This sequence begins during fetal development when diploid oogonia in the developing ovaries undergo mitotic divisions to produce primary oocytes. By birth, these primary oocytes enter prophase I of meiosis but become arrested in this stage, remaining suspended until puberty.
Each primary oocyte is surrounded by a layer of pre-granulosa cells, forming what is known...
Oogenesis02:07

Oogenesis

In human women, oogenesis produces one mature egg cell or ovum for every precursor cell that enters meiosis. This process differs in two unique ways from the equivalent procedure of spermatogenesis in males. First, meiotic divisions during oogenesis are asymmetric, meaning that a large oocyte (containing most of the cytoplasm) and minor polar body are produced as a result of meiosis I, and again following meiosis II. Since only oocytes will go on to form embryos if fertilized, this unequal...
Infertility in Females01:28

Infertility in Females

Female infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse and affects about 10–15% of couples worldwide. The primary cause of female infertility is ovulatory disorders, which hinder the release of eggs. These disorders can be classified as hypothalamic amenorrhea, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure, and hyperprolactinemic anovulation disorders.
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of endometrial...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 14, 2026

Collection of Human Follicular Fluid, Follicle Somatic Cells, and Immature Oocytes from Individuals Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization
06:40

Collection of Human Follicular Fluid, Follicle Somatic Cells, and Immature Oocytes from Individuals Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization

Published on: October 24, 2025

Empty follicle syndrome.

Jee Hyun Kim1, Byung Chul Jee

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea.

Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
|January 25, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Empty follicle syndrome (EFS) is a rare condition where no eggs are retrieved after ovarian stimulation. Proper human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration is crucial to prevent this preventable cause of infertility.

Keywords:
Chorionic gonadotropinInfertilityOocyteOvarian stimulationRetrieval

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Isolation of Small Preantral Follicles from the Bovine Ovary Using a Combination of Fragmentation, Homogenization, and Serial Filtration

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Accurate Follicle Enumeration in Adult Mouse Ovaries
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Accurate Follicle Enumeration in Adult Mouse Ovaries

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Accurate Follicle Enumeration in Adult Mouse Ovaries

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Endocrinology
  • In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Background:

  • Empty follicle syndrome (EFS) is characterized by the absence of oocytes post-ovarian stimulation and aspiration.
  • EFS is classified into 'genuine' and 'false' types based on human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels.
  • The etiology of EFS is unclear, and its existence, particularly the 'genuine' form, remains debated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To clarify the definition and characteristics of Empty Follicle Syndrome (EFS).
  • To discuss the diagnostic challenges and management strategies for EFS.
  • To highlight the importance of correct hCG administration in preventing EFS.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on Empty Follicle Syndrome.
  • Analysis of EFS classification based on hCG levels.
  • Discussion of clinical management and patient counseling.

Main Results:

  • Empty follicle syndrome (EFS) is defined by the lack of oocyte retrieval despite adequate ovarian response.
  • Improper hCG administration is identified as a common and preventable cause of EFS.
  • No universally effective treatment for EFS is established.

Conclusions:

  • Empty follicle syndrome (EFS) presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
  • Patient education on correct hCG administration is vital for preventing EFS.
  • Further research into EFS is warranted to advance understanding of ovarian biology and infertility.