Poor prognosis in cycles following “genuine” empty follicle syndrome

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the prognosis in future IVF cycles of patients with empty follicle syndrome (EFS). Study design EFS cases and their future cycles were reviewed. Clinical pregnancy rate per started cycle was taken as the primary outcome in assessing the future outcome in IVF treatment cycles. Results A total of 3023 patients underwent 5238 IVF treatment cycles. Twenty-six patients (1%) had a total of 58 (1%) cycles of EFS. Thirteen women went through 32 further IVF treatment cycles following the diagnosis of EFS, yielding only two clinical pregnancies, giving a clinical pregnancy rate of 6.25% per started cycle. In addition, four patients had recurrence in a total of 15 cycles. Conclusions The occurrence of EFS will indicate poor IVF success in subsequent IVF cycles. Patients with “genuine EFS” should be counselled about the outcome of their future IVF cycles.