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.

DESIGN

Retrospective case control series.

SETTING

University IVF-ET center.

PATIENTS

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.