The effect of performing hysteroscopy prior to the first in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle on live birth rate.

In this retrospective cohort study, a total of 707 couples underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) at Hacettepe University Hospital between 01 January 2010 and 01 November 2014 with their chronologically first cycle were evaluated. Patients who have diagnostic hysteroscopy prior to first IVF cycle served as a study group (n = 42) and patients without diagnostic hysteroscopy served as control group (n = 282). In study group in all patients, diagnostic hysteroscopy was performed at the follicular phase of previous menstrual cycle, namely immediately before ovarian stimulation (OS) cycle. Demographic features, clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes were compared between the groups. The logistic regression analysis was performed in order to assess independent predictors of live birth rates (LBRs). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups for demographic features and OS cycle characteristics. Implantation rate (22.2% vs. 21.5%, p=.840), clinical pregnancy rate (33.3% vs. 28.7%, p=.541), and LBRs (23.8% vs. 18.5%, p=.420) were comparable. In logistic regression analysis, performing hysteroscopy prior to first IVF cycles per se without correcting anatomic abnormalities was not an independent predictor of LBRs (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.310-1.68, p=.45). In conclusion, performing diagnostic hysteroscopy prior to first IVF treatment cycle without correcting any anatomic abnormalities did not improve LBRs.