Does it really matter how far from the fundus embryos are transferred?

Objective: Embryo transfer (ET) is an important last step during the process of IVF. Over the years much has been learned about the importance of the details of this procedure including the potential impact of transfer depth on outcome. The objective of our study was to evaluate whether transfer depth assessed by air bubble location after ET is associated with clinical outcome.

Detrimental effects of high-dose gonadotropin on outcome of IVF: making a case for gentle ovarian stimulation strategies.

Objective: Limited data identify detrimental influences of aggressive use of gonadotropins (G) for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH); the underlying mechanisms however remain unclear. We report on the relationship between G dose and in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle parameters (ovarian response, endometrial thickness [EMT]) and cycle outcome (implantation rate [IR] and clinical pregnancy [CP] rate) in a cohort of women undergoing IVF.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of fresh embryo transfer (ET) cycles.

Embryo selection or uterine environment: which plays the greater role in blastocyst transfer cycles?

Aim: Blastocyst stage embryo transfer (BET) leads to higher pregnancy rates when compared to cleavage stage transfer. Better embryo selection and a more physiologic stage of transfer are possible explanations. We assessed the significance of embryo selection in achieving an improved outcome.

The role of hyaluronic acid binding assay in choosing the fertilization method for patients undergoing IVF for unexplained infertility.

Purpose: Patients with unexplained infertility may have fertilization problems. Split fertilization (ICSI and conventional IVF on sibling oocytes) is often used to avoid poor fertilization. Our aim was to assess the ability of hyaluronic acid binding (HA-binding) assay to predict spontaneous fertilization during IVF.

Results with early follicular phase recombinant luteinizing hormone supplementation during stimulation for in vitro fertilization.

Objective: To study the effect of early follicular phase recombinant LH supplementation on stimulation outcome among women undergoing IVF using the GnRHa long protocol and recombinant FSH.

Design: Randomized, controlled trial.

Setting: Private IVF unit.

Comparison of serum and follicular fluid hormone levels with recombinant and urinary human chorionic gonadotropin during in vitro fertilization.

Objective: To study serum and follicular fluid (FF) hormone levels after the administration of urinary or recombinant hCG to initiate the final stages of oocyte maturation during IVF.

Design: Prospective randomized study between 250 microg of recombinant hCG and 7,500 IU of urinary hCG as the final trigger of ovulation during IVF.

Setting: Private IVF center.

Effect of coasting on cycle outcome during in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles in hyper-responders.

Objective: To investigate the effect of coasting on IVF outcome in GnRH agonist cycles.

Design: Retrospective analysis.

Setting: Private IVF center.

Comparison of clinical outcome and costs with CC + gonadotropins and gnrha + gonadotropins during Ivf/ICSI cycles.

Objective: To compare clinical outcome and costs of CC + gonadotropins with GnRHa + gonadotropins during IVF/ICSI cycles.

Materials And Methods: Clinical outcome and expenses of 382 CC + gonadotropin and 964 GnRHa + gonadotropin cycles were compared. Medication costs were calculated on the basis of the mean number of ampoules and the proportion of various gonadotropins.

Do lunar cycles influence in vitro fertilization results?

Purpose: Our objective was to investigate the lunar influence on IVF-ET outcomes.

Methods: Between 1992 and 1999 we have completed 7572 preprogrammed IVF-ET treatment cycles with the same stimulation protocol in two outpatient units. (Vienna, Austria and Budapest, Hungary) Multiple regression (SAS; proc Logistic) and two separate analyses were performed on pregnancy rates using a harmonic sinoidal trend based on the synodic and anomalistic lunar cycles respectively.

Ascorbic acid supplement during luteal phase in IVF.

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of ascorbic acid of different doses as additional support during luteal phase in infertility treatment by means of a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, group comparative, double-blind study.

Methods: Voluntary daily oral intake of either ascorbic acid (1, 5, or 10 g/day) or Placebo for 14 days after follicle aspiration for IVF-ET procedure. Data was obtained on 620 cases of women, age <40 years, undergoing first IVF-embryo transfer cycles in two private outpatient infertility clinics.