Prospective randomized trial comparing the outcome and cost of in vitro fertilization with that of a traditional treatment algorithm as first-line therapy for couples with infertility

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether IVF or a standard infertility treatment algorithm results in better outcome and/or lower cost when used as first-line therapy for couples with infertility.

Design: Prospective, randomized clinical study.

Setting: University-affiliated infertility clinic.

Patient(s): Couples with newly diagnosed infertility and no prior treatment.

Intervention(s): Couples were randomized to undergo either IVF (group 1, n = 46) or a standard infertility treatment algorithm (group 2, n = 50) as initial therapy for infertility.

Main outcome measure(s): Pregnancy rates and costs per couple, per month of treatment, and per pregnancy.

Result(s): Pregnancy rates were higher in group 2 than in group 1. Costs per couple were not statistically different, although a trend toward higher costs was apparent in group 1, reflected by a higher median cost per clinical pregnancy established and a higher cost per month of treatment. Whereas cost differences between the groups diminished over time, pregnancy rates remained the same.

Conclusion(s): In vitro fertilization currently does not represent an appropriate first-line treatment option for couples with infertility. The use of a standard infertility treatment algorithm results in a higher pregnancy rate and lower cost and therefore should be the preferred treatment approach.