Correlation of Site of Embryo Transfer with IVF Outcome: Analysis of 743 Cycles from a Single Center

Objective: To investigate the influence of site of embryo transfer (ET) on reproductive outcome.

Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis of 743 ultrasound-guided ET in fresh in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles from a single center over a period of 4 years was conducted. The distance between the fundal endometrial surface and the air bubble was measured, and accordingly, patients were divided into four groups (≤10 mm; >10 and ≤15 mm; >15 and 20 mm; >20 and <25 mm).

Setting: Tertiary Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) center.

Patients: All patients enrolled in the IVF program undergoing ET.

Interventions: Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (OS), IVF, and ET.

Main outcome measures: Cleavage rate and clinical pregnancy rate.

Results: Clinical pregnancy rate was significantly more in groups 2 and 3 compared to the other groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that one unit increase in embryos transfer will enhance the pregnancy outcome about 3.7 (adjusted odds ratio) times with 95% confidence limits 2.6 to 5.4. Similarly, pregnancy outcome will be 3.1 (95% confidence limits: 1.5-6.4) times higher for distance group >15 and <20 mm compared to less than 10-mm distance group. Ectopic pregnancy rates were similar in all the four groups.

Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that site of ET has significant difference on reproductive outcome.