PROGNOSTIC FACTORS IN INVITRO FERTILIZATION AND EMBRYO TRANSFER

Multiple factors influence the outcome of in vitro fertilisation and e mbryo transfer (IVF-ET). In our prospective study different factors ha ve been subject of examination concerning their effect on the outcome of in vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer. 1237 couples undergoing 1675 consecutive treatment cycles between 1.1.1990-31.12.1991 were in cluded in this study. Prior to treatment, couples were divided into '' good'' and ''poor'' prognosis groups. Cycles were prospectively labell ed as carrying a potentially ''poor prognosis'', if one or more of the following factors were noted: 1) female age > 35; 2) an existence of male factor; 3) couples with more than 3 previous unsuccessful treatme nt cycles. Couples with none of these factors were assigned to the ''g ood'' prognosis group. The pregnancy rate per cycle in the ''poor'' pr ognosis group was 5.96%, compared with 17.92% per cycle in the ''good' ' prognosis group (p < 0.001). The most important factors determining pregnancy rates were female age and male factor, and we observed that the rate of pregnancy declined after the third treatment cycle. An exp lanation may be seen in lower fertilisation rates after the age of 35 and cases of poor semen quality. Both will result in poor embryo quali ty.