Spontaneous conception after a successful attempt at in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection

B Hennelly, Hennelly B, Bernadette Hennelly, R F Harrison, Robert F. Harrison, Harrison RF, J. Kelly, Joan Kelly, Kelly J, Saji Jacob, Jacob S, S Jacob, Tom Barrett, T Barrett, Barrett T
Fertility and sterility · 2000 · vol. 73(4) , pp. 774–778 · doi:10.1016/s0015-0282(99)00609-3 · PMID:10731540 · W2043794510
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A retrospective study found a 20.7% spontaneous conception rate after successful IVF, with younger women and those with shorter infertility durations having higher rates.

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Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine the incidence of spontaneous pregnancy in women who were not actively undergoing therapy after a successful attempt at IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection and to characterize its pattern of occurrence.DesignRetrospective postal questionnaire.SettingAn assisted reproduction unit at a university-based teaching hospital.Patient(s)Five hundred thirteen replies were received from 530 questionnaires mailed.Intervention(s)None.Main outcome measure(s)Spontaneous pregnancy. Women who did and did not conceive spontaneously after successful IVF treatment were compared in terms of their age, duration of infertility, previous reproductive history, and indication for treatment at the time of assisted reproduction.Result(s)The rate of spontaneous conception among the survey respondents was 20.7%. Younger women (</=34 years of age) had a higher rate of spontaneous conception, as did those with a shorter duration of infertility. Women with unexplained infertility and endometriosis also were more likely to conceive. Few of those who had undergone intracytoplasmic sperm injection conceived, whereas 21.6% of those whose partners had had sperm quality sufficient for IVF later conceived spontaneously.Conclusion(s)The chances of spontaneous conception after successful ART therapy are significant in some groups of patients. This has implications for the practice of assisted reproduction and the obstetric care of patients who conceive with treatment. Contraceptive advice may need to be provided to couples who undergo IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

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MeSH descriptors

Fertilization Fertilization in Vitro Infertility Adult Female Humans Infertility Infertility Maternal Age Pregnancy Pregnancy Rate Retrospective Studies Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic Surveys and Questionnaires Time Factors

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