The results of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer in couples with unexplained infertility failing to conceive with superovulation and intrauterine insemination.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the results of IVF-ET in couples with long-standing unexplained infertility who had failed to conceive with four to six cycles of superovulation and IUI.


METHODS
Retrospective case control series.


METHODS
University IVF-ET center.


METHODS
One hundred seventeen couples with unexplained infertility who had failed to conceive with superovulation and IUI underwent 157 cycles of IVF-ET. Results were compared with 194 tubal factor couples subjected to 250 IVF-ET cycles within the same time period.


RESULTS
Total fertilization failure events were more common (20.4% versus 7.6%) and tended to be repetitive in couples with unexplained infertility. When total fertilization failure events were excluded, fertilization rates (57.8% versus 60.9%) and cumulative clinical pregnancy rates over three cycles (55.4% versus 46.5%) were similar in unexplained infertility and tubal disease groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Couples with unexplained infertility failing to conceive with superovulation and IUI have a favorable outcome when treated subsequently with IVF-ET. Conception rates similar to couples with tubal disease may be expected despite a higher incidence of total fertilization failure events.
Gürgan
T
T
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Hacettepe, Ankara, Turkey.
Urman
B
B
Yarali
H
H
Kişnişçi
H A
HA
D000328:Adult; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005187:Fallopian Tubes; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000628:therapy*; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000628:therapy; D007317:Insemination, Artificial, Homologous; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013480:Superovulation; D017211:Treatment Failure