"Simplified IVF": program for developing countries

The aim of this study is to assess the results of the "Simplified IVF" program at Ramathibodi Hospital. Ramathibodi IVF program has been in operation since October, 1991. Some steps of the conventional IVF procedures have been modified due to the limitation of resources. The embryo laboratory is a simple, clean room situated in a different building from the oocyte recovery room. Short protocol of GnRHa/HMG is used for ovarian stimulation. Monitoring of the follicular development is performed by ultrasound alone with limited number of scans (2-3 times/cycle). Oocyte retrieval is carried out under transvaginal ultrasound guidance and the aspirate transported to the embryo laboratory in a simple insulated box. Luteal phase is supported by giving micronized progesterone. Eighty five couples have undergone 105 ovarian stimulation cycles. OR was done in 100 cycles from 80 couples. Total oocytes collected is 1091. The fertilization rate is 75 per cent. Embryos were transferred in 97 cycles. Clinical pregnancy occurred in 25 cycles. Pregnancy rate per OR and ET is 25 and 25.8 per cent respectively. Nineteen patients have delivered (6 twins, 13 singletons). Simplification of procedures has enabled the IVF service to be available in a center with limited resources without compromising the results. Other advantages are improvement of the patient's convenience, cost savings and less time consumed as well as being less stressful.