Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in Canada: 2003 results from the Canadian ART Register

To present the success rates of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) cycles performed in 2003 in Canada. This is the third annual report of outcomes compiled in the Canadian Assisted Reproductive Technologies Register.

Prospective cohort study.

Twenty-four of 24 ART centers in Canada.

Couples undergoing ART treatment in Canada during 2003.

ART treatments, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), frozen embryo transfer, and oocyte donation.

Clinical pregnancy, live birth, and multiple birth rates.

A total of 10,656 ART cycles was reported to the Canadian ART Register. There were 7535 IVF/ICSI cycles using the woman's own oocytes. Per cycle started, the clinical pregnancy rate was 31.2% (37.3% per embryo transfer procedure), and the live birth rate was 23.9%; the multiple birth rate per delivery was 31.3%, with a triplet birth rate of 1.6%. Of cycles with oocytes retrieved, IVF was performed in 44% and ICSI in 56%; the outcomes were similar with the two procedures. There were 462 IVF/ICSI cycles using donor oocytes. The clinical pregnancy rate was 43.9%, and the live birth rate was 31.4%; the multiple birth rate, all twins, was 36.5%. There were 2309 frozen embryo transfer cycles using the woman's own oocytes. The clinical pregnancy rate was 21.1%, and the live birth rate was 16.1%; the multiple birth rate was 27.1%, with a triplet birth rate of 1.9%. There were 350 cycles of various other ART types, including 91 cycles involving gestational carriers.

For 2003, the Canadian ART Register achieved 100% voluntary participation from Canadian ART centers. Success rates were higher and multiple birth rates lower in 2003 than in previous years.