Results and complications of IVF therapy

This review attempts to discuss the current efficacy of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, factors influencing IVF success rates, and complications of IVF therapy. The livebirth rate per oocyte retrieval and per embryo transfer (ET) have been among the most widely used indices of success. To determine true efficacy, success rates have to be related to patient characteristics, such as age and cause of infertility. The cumulative conception rate after specified periods of treatment provides the most useful estimate of success rate after IVF. Approaches to further improving IVF treatment in the future are discussed. Considering the ongoing scientific research in the field of assisted reproduction, it should be the challenge of the nineties to further improve IVF success rates per treatment cycle by 50-100%.