This notice on regulatory and organizational framework for oocyte retrieval in France, analyzes available data on infection risks, and evaluates various antisepsis and antibiotic prophylaxis strategies in order to propose practical recommendations for healthcare professionals.

Key points:

• The risk of infection following transvaginal oocyte retrieval is low but not zero.
• Vaginal flora is the primary source of contamination.
• For patients with no identified risk factors for infection, simple vaginal cleansing with normal saline is sufficient.
• For patients presenting an infection risk as defined below, antisepsis using povidone-iodine followed by a normal saline rinse is recommended.
• Antibiotic prophylaxis should not be administered routinely