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Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics

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01-06-2014 | Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine

Natural cycle IVF: evaluation of 463 cycles and summary of the current literature

Authors: Sabine Roesner, Ulrike Pflaumer, Ariane Germeyer, Markus Montag, Thomas Strowitzki, Bettina Toth

Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics | Issue 6/2014

Abstract

Purpose

Natural cycle (NC) IVF/ICSI has proven to be an alternative to conventional IVF/ICSI cycles.

Methods

Within our retrospective, observational study (n = 159) infertile couples underwent (n = 463) cycles of NC-IVF/ICSI from May 2007 until December 2011. Oocyte pick-up was performed within a pure natural cycle excluding any hormonal stimulation except of hCG for ovulation induction. Oocytes were fertilized by IVF/ICSI and embryo transfer took place 2 or 3 days later. In addition, the current literature was analysed concerning pregnancy rates in NC-IVF/ICSI cycles.

Results

Oocyte pick-up was performed in n = 463 NC and was successful in n = 342 cases (IVF n = 135, ICSI n = 207). 203 oocytes were fertilized (IVF n = 87, ICSI n = 116, FR 59.4 %) and lead to 192 embryo transfers. Finally, 25 pregnancies were reached (PR 13.0 % per transfer) resulting in four biochemical pregnancies, 7 (33.3 %) miscarriages, one pregnancy of unknown outcome and 13 live births. Within the current literature (n = 27 studies), PR in NC-IVF/ICSI cycles varied between 10.2 and 50 %.

Conclusions

Within our study, pregnancy rates in pure NC-IVF/ICSI remained below 15 %. Although this may be linked to unfavourable preconditions like patients’ age >40 years, low ovarian reserve or long duration of infertility, further improvement is necessary to increase pregnancy rates.

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Title: Natural cycle IVF: evaluation of 463 cycles and summary of the current literature
Authors: Sabine Roesner
Ulrike Pflaumer
Ariane Germeyer
Markus Montag
Thomas Strowitzki
Bettina Toth
Publication date: 01-06-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics / Issue 6/2014
Print ISSN: 0932-0067
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0711
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-013-3123-2

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Natural cycle IVF: evaluation of 463 cycles and summary of the current literature

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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