Initial experience with in-vitro fertilization technology in the English-speaking Caribbean

This audit documents the first experience with in-vitro Fertilization technology in the English-speaking Caribbean. From 1996 to 2000, 121 cycles have been performed in 99 couples utilizing these techniques. After ovarian stimulation, 1,103 oocytes were retrieved (average 9.1) and of these, 65 fertilized normally, with embryo transfer possible in 111 cycles. Twenty-one pregnancies were recorded (21.2 per patient and 18.9 per embryo transfer) and the live birth rate per patient was 12.1. The trend was for the success rate to be better in patients under age 36 years.