The first attempt at IVF treatment. Results and requirements for a satisfactory success rate

The purpose of this study was to report the success rate of the first IVF treatment in 161 patients who attended our department in 1988. The indications for IVF were tubal damage in 84 couples (52.1%), unexplained infertility and endometriosis (with patent tubes) in 61 couples (37.9%), and polycystic ovarian syndrome in 16 couples (10%). Clinical pregnancies were diagnosed in 40 patients, giving an overall clinical pregnancy rate of 35.4% per embryo transfer. In the group of patients with unexplained infertility or endometriosis one in three of the embryo transfer cycles will predictably result in a birth, one in four in the group of patients with tubal damage or polycystic ovarian syndrome. These results invite discussion of the possible reasons for the success of our IVF program.