Outcome of IVF/ICSI referrals from the Royal Alexandra Hospital (level 2 infertility service) to Glasgow Royal Infirmary (level 3 infertility service)

In a 2-year period (2004 and 2005), 117 couples with infertility were referred from secondary care for IVF/ICSI treatment. This study describes the age, waiting times, diagnostic categories and outcomes for all couples referred. A total of 59% (69) of all couples referred conceived. Of these, 25% (29 couples) conceived spontaneously or as a result of simpler treatments and 34% (40 couples) conceived following IVF/ICSI treatment. The twin pregnancy rate following IVF/ICSI was 25% and the average waiting time from referral to treatment was 13-18 months. Couples with female factor infertility (excluding endometriosis) and couples with unexplained infertility experienced a higher spontaneous pregnancy rate while awaiting IVF/ICSI treatment, than those couples with male factor or combined infertility. However, couples with male factor or combined infertility achieved much higher success rates with IVF/ICSI treatment.