Comparison of easy and difficult embryo transfer outcomes in in vitro fertilization cycles

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of easy and difficult embryo transfers [ET] on implantation and pregnancy rates. In this prospective study, we analyzed the results of 706 ET procedures over a 12-month period. An easy ET was defined as a transfer that occurred without the use of force or other instrumentation. A difficult ET was defined as the use of force for catheter placement, and/or the use of additional instruments, and/or manipulation. Pregnancy rate was compared between patients with easy or difficult ETs. There was a significantly higher implantation rate in the easy group [21.7%] compared to the difficult group [12.1%, p<0.05].The easy group had a higher pregnancy rate [38.1%] compared to patients who had difficult ETs [21.4%; p<0.05]. Any uterine manipulation during ET adversely affects in vitro fertilization [IVF]. Precaution should be taken to identify possibly difficult ET cases in advance