Experiences with the first 100 consecutive pregnancies achieved after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer at the University Women's Hospital in Erlangen

Abstract

As of March 31, 1985, 100 clinical pregnancies have been achieved since the program for extracorporeal fertilization was started in Erlangen. 531 (71%) of 768 follicular punctures resulted in an embryo transfer. The overall pregnancy rate is 13% with regard to the total number of laparoscopies and 19% with regard to the number of embryo transfer. The most effective stimulation proved to be the pure hMG regimen. Employing this protocol, we have achieved a clinical pregnancy rate after IVF and ET of 32% during the last 6 months. Oocyte recovery related to the number of patients is 97%, with laparoscopy being superior to ultrasonically guided puncture. The success rate is appreciably affected by both the number of transferred embryos and the atraumatic transfer technique. We question the rationale of supporting the luteal phase.