Influence of blood clots in the cumulus complex on oocyte fertilization and cleavage

Since multiple ovarian punctures are performed during oocyte retrieval, the likelihood of blood contaminating the follicular fluid is high. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the presence of blood clots, which are frequently seen in the cumulus of oocytes retrieved under ultrasound guidance, has any effect on fertilization and subsequent embryo cleavage and to identify oocyte characteristics which may predict these events. …