Objective
Our objective was to identify the effect on outcome of (a) ultrasound-assisted embryo transfer, (b) the use of different embryo transfer catheters, and (c) the length of time the patients remain in the supine position after embryo transfer.
Setting
The setting was a private fertility center.
Subjects
This was a prospective study of 178 in vitro fertilization and embryo transfers (IVF-ET) and 63 frozen embryo replacements (FER).
Results
The pregnancy rate was 28.7% following IVF-ET and 31.8% for FER. Ultrasound-assisted transfer did not affect the outcome (29 vs 30.3%). There was no difference in the performance of the Wallace and Frydman catheters with regard to outcome (30.3 vs 30.7%). Although there was an increase in pregnancy rate as the time interval in the supine position after ET increased, this needs a larger study.
Conclusion
The parameter studies did not affect the outcome of IVF/ET or FER. Some factors encouraged us to recommend ultrasound-assisted transfer in some cases, and the use of a Frydman catheter for transfer and to encourage the supine position after transfer for longer periods.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Wisanto A, Janssens R, Deschacht J, Camus M, Devroey P, VanSteirteghem AC: Performance of different embryo transfer catheters in human in vitro fertilization process. Fertil Steril 1989;52:79–84
Hurley VA, Osborn JC, Leoni MA, Leeton J: Ultrasound guided embryo transfer: A controlled trial. Fertil Steril 1991;55:559–562
Waterstone J, Curson R, Parsons J: Embryo transfer to low uterine cavity. Lancet 1991;337:1413
Gonen Y, Dirnfeld M, Goldman S, Koifman M, Abramovid H: Does the choice of catheter for embryo transfer influence the success rate of in-vitro fertilization? Hum Reprod 1991;6:1092–1991
Al-Shawaf T, Nolan A, Nadkarni P, Harper J, Brown J, Guirgis R, Emerson G, Bayly M, Craft I: The reproduction outcome following a super high response to stimulation in gamete intrafallopian transfer programme: J Vitro Fert Embryo Transfer 1991;8:202–207
Smith B, Porter R, Ahuja K, Craft I: Ultrasonic assessment of endometrial changes in stimulated cycles in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer progamme. J Vitro Fert Embryo Transfer 1984;1:223–238
Yovich JL, Turner SR, Murphy AJ: Embryo transfer technique as a cause of ectopic pregnancies in in vitro fertilization. Fertil Steril 1985;44:318–322
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Al-Shawaf, T., Dave, R., Harper, J. et al. Transfer of embryos into the uterus: How much do technical factors affect pregnancy rates?. J Assist Reprod Genet 10, 31–36 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01204437
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01204437