Previous tubal ectopic pregnancy raises the incidence of repeated ectopic pregnancies in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer patients.

Purpose: To investigate the incidence of Tubal Ectopic Pregnancies (TEP) in IVF-ET patients with respect to the status of the fallopian tubes after a previous TEP.

Material And Methods: This retrospective study compares patients undergoing 481 IVF-ET cycles after conservatively or surgically treated TEP(s) with a Control Group (idiopathic or male factor for IVF-ET indication). Medical reports of surgery and/or hysterosalpingograms prior to the IVF cycles classified the status of the fallopian tubes.

Results: 12 TEPs (8.95%/Pregnancies (PR)) occurred in the Study Group. In the Control Group one TEP (0.75%/PR; p < 0.001) was found. Smoking increased the probability of TEPs (p = 0.0028) and of pathological pregnancies (abortion, biochemical and ectopic PR; (p = 0.0411)). For statistic evolution logistic regression (PROC GENMOD) and a repeated measure model were applied.

Conclusion: Women with a previous TEP should be informed about the significantly increased risk for a further TEP in IVF-ET treatment, especially if they are smoking.