Does an elective induction policy negatively impact on vaginal delivery rates? A 30-month review of an elective induction policy.

Background: The rate of induction of labour varies across Health Service Executive hospital regions in Ireland averaging at 23.3 per 100 deliveries in 2005-2009. The increasing rate of elective induction of labour in Ireland calls for more studies looking into associated maternal and/or neonatal outcomes.

Comparison of costs associated with substituting culture medium with saline solution for follicular flushing during oocyte retrieval.

Objectives: To compare culture medium and saline solution for follicular flushing during oocyte retrieval with assisted reproductive technologies.

Methods: The present retrospective study analyzed data collected at Galway Fertility Clinic, Galway, Ireland, between January 1, 2015 and August 31, 2016; all patients attending the clinic for in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection during this period were included. Data were stratified by whether follicular flushing was performed with culture medium or saline, and the oocyte yield rate, fertilization rate, embryo utilization rate, and biochemical and clinical pregnancy rates were compared between the groups.