Factors influencing the cumulative conception rate and discontinuation of in vitro fertilization treatment for infertility

To examine the cumulative conception rate and live birth rate in women undergoing IVF and to assess the influence of prognostic factors on cumulative conception rate and discontinuation of treatment.

Retrospective analysis of data from couples undergoing IVF.

Assisted conception unit of a university hospital. PATIENT(S): Two thousand fifty-six patients undergoing 2708 cycles of IVF from April 1992 to March 1999. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Cumulative conception rate by age, number of oocytes retrieved, and embryos transferred, and the influence of these factors on dropout rates. RESULT(S): The cumulative conception rate and cumulative live birth rate after four attempts were 75% and 66%, respectively. The cumulative conception rate differed significantly between women 35 years of age or younger and those older than 35 years who had five or more oocytes retrieved (83% vs. 63%). When fewer than five oocytes were retrieved in women 35 years of age or younger, the cumulative conception rate decreased to 33%. Overall, 36% of patients continued treatment after the first attempt; these patients were more likely to have more than five oocytes retrieved and more than two embryos available for transfer.

The cumulative conception rate was greater when the female partner was 35 years of age or younger and had more than five oocytes retrieved and more than two embryos were available for transfer. These factors influenced dropout rates.