In-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Prospects of pregnancy by life-table analysis.

Data have been analysed for 1775 laparoscopies that were undertaken for the collection of oocytes, and for 1401 embryo transfers that were undertaken for the treatment of infertility by in-vitro fertilization, by the Monash University in-vitro fertilization unit team. The cumulative success rates with multiple attempts were analysed by life-table analysis and life-table graphs were constructed. Almost half the patients were pregnant after five laparoscopies. These findings suggest that treatment should consist of multiple laparoscopies and that improvements should be aimed at decreasing the morbidity, stress and cost of multiple attempts.