Comparison of the cumulative probability of pregnancy after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer by infertility factor and age

Abstract

Objective: To compare the cumulative probability of pregnancy after multiple IVF cycles by age and cause of infertility.

Design: A prospective study was done in which patients were followed from the time they registered for their first IVF cycle until they achieved a clinical pregnancy, withdrew from treatment, or study was terminated. PATIENTS, SETTING, TREATMENTS: Infertile women undergoing IVF-ET at the Cooper Institute for In Vitro Fertilization were enrolled in this study if the luteal phase leuprolide acetate (LA) and hMG controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) regimen was used.

Main outcome measures: Clinical pregnancy, as determined by a positive beta-hCG level and ultrasonographic confirmation of a gestational sac, and delivery rates based on number of women with live births were compared by infertility factor and age.

Results: The 3-month cumulative probability of pregnancy based on life table analysis was 33% in women with tubal factor who were < or = 35 years of age, 25% in women with tubal factor who were > 35 years of age, 30% for women with multiple factors who were < or = 35 years of age, and 14% for women with multiple factors who were > 35 years of age. The rate for the older women with multiple factors was significantly lower than that for the other groups. The delivery rates were lower for the women with multiple factors than for women under 35 with tubal factor only.

Conclusions: There is a significant effect of age and infertility factor on pregnancy and delivery rates. Physicians should consider these factors in evaluating their patients' prospects for success in IVF-ET.