J Reprod Infert arij001 Journal of Reproduction & Infertility 2228-5482 2251-676X Avicenna Research Institute jri656 The Effect of a Newly Designed Needle on the Pain and Bleeding of Patients During Oocyte Retrieval of a Single Follicle NakagawaKojiDivision of Reproductive Medicine, Sugiyama Clinic, Tokyo, JapanNishiYayoiDivision of Reproductive Medicine, Sugiyama Clinic, Tokyo, JapanKaneyamaMasayoDivision of Reproductive Medicine, Sugiyama Clinic, Tokyo, JapanSugiyamaRieCenter for Reproductive Medicine and Endoscopy, Sugiyama Clinic Marunouchi, Tokyo, JapanMotoyamaHiroshiCenter for Reproductive Medicine and Endoscopy, Sugiyama Clinic Marunouchi, Tokyo, JapanSugiyamaRikikazuDivision of Reproductive Medicine, Sugiyama Clinic, Tokyo, Japan 16 4 207 212 14 2 2015 23 6 2015

<p>Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of needle type on pain and bleeding during oocyte pick-up (OPU).<br /> Methods: From May through November 2013, patients undergoing OPU from a single follicle without any analgesic treatment were including this study. Eligible patients (n=75) were randomized 1:1 to undergo the procedure with either a reduced needle (17 gauge body, 20 gauge tip; RN group) or a standard needle (19 gauge; SN group). Overall pain was assessed by patients using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and vaginal bleeding after the procedure was recorded. Fisher exact, t-test or Wilcoxon test were used, and p&lt;0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.<br /> Results: The percentage of mature oocytes was 86.5% in the RN group and 91.7% in the SN group. Pain during OPU was significantly lower in the RN group than in the SN group (mean VAS score&plusmn;SD: 3.2&plusmn;2.0 <em>cm vs.</em> 4.9&plusmn;2.2 <em>cm</em>, p&lt;0.01; mean&plusmn;SD).&nbsp;The frequency of bleeding in the RN group was also significantly lower than that in the SN group (26.3% vs. 48.6%; p&lt;0.05). No significant differences were found between the two groups with regard to fertilization and pregnancy rates.<br /> Conclusion: The newly designed needle significantly reduced pain and vaginal bleeding associated with single-follicle OPU in patients receiving no analgesic treatment, in comparison with a standard needle. The RN had no adverse effect on the quality of retrieved oocytes.</p>