Pelvic abscess after oocyte retrieval in women with endometriosis: A case series

Pelvic inflammatory disease with progression to pelvic abscess is a rare complication after oocyte retrieval during in vitro fertilization cycles. However, in patients with endometriosis the risk appears to be increased. Many authors agree on the need for antibiotic prophylaxis during the oocyte retrieval in these patients, but there is no consensus regarding the best antibiotic.

We discuss 3 clinical cases of tubo-ovarian abscess in women with endometriosis after oocyte retrieval despite antibiotic prophylaxis between 2004 and 2011 at our center, and discuss our experience in the context of earlier reports.

It is unclear whether antibiotic prophylaxis is necessary in these women, and which antibiotic is best. Only douching with povidone-iodine appears to decrease the rate of pelvic infection.