Pronuclear Ovum from a Patient Using an Intrauterine Contraceptive Device

Abstract

Ova were sought in the washings of the excised reproductive tracts of 48 patients after they had ovulated. From 24 patients using no contraceptives, two unfertilized ova were recovered. From 24 patients using intrauterine coils, one unfertilized and one fertilized pronuclear ovum were recovered. The latter ovum was at the earliest stage of development recorded for the human.