Transfer of six or more embryos improves success rates in patients with repeated in vitro fertilization failures

Abstract

Objective: To examine the results of six or more embryos transferred to patients whose IVF-ET cycles repeatedly met with failure.

Design: Prospective clinical evaluation of pregnancy rates and pregnancy outcome.

Setting: IVF-ET Unit.

Patients: Seventy-two IVF patients who had failed at least four previous IVF cycles.

Interventions: Forty-one patients (group A) received six or more embryos, and 31 patients (group B) chose to receive five embryos.

Main outcome measures: Per embryo implantation rate, pregnancy rate, multiple pregnancies, and outcome were evaluated.

Results: With the transfer of six or more embryos, the pregnancy rate was significantly higher than with the transfer of five embryos (56% versus 29%, respectively). This was associated with a slight, but insignificant, increase in multiple gestations. No difference in pregnancy outcome was noted among the groups.

Conclusions: Patients who have had repeated IVF failures may have higher pregnancy rates if six or more embryos are transferred in subsequent cycles.