diff --git a/source/retryable-writes/retryable-writes.rst b/source/retryable-writes/retryable-writes.rst
index bd6aafdbfa..f22b39618d 100644
--- a/source/retryable-writes/retryable-writes.rst
+++ b/source/retryable-writes/retryable-writes.rst
@@ -513,6 +513,11 @@ The above rules are implemented in the following pseudo-code:
       if (timeoutMS != null && isExpired(timeoutMS) {
         throw previousError;
       }
+
+      /* If CSOT is not enabled attempt one retry before giving up. */
+      if (timeoutMS == null) {
+        return executeCommand(server, retryableCommand);
+      }
     }
   }