Deleterious effect of the presence of hydrosalpinx on implantation and pregnancy rates with in vitro fertilization.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of the presence of a unilateral or bilateral hydrosalpinx on the outcome with IVF-ET.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of clinical and laboratory data.

SETTING

Hospital-based private IVF center.

PATIENTS

Eight hundred forty-six patients with tubal disease younger than age 40 years undergoing 1,766 stimulation cycles. In 118 cycles, a hydrosalpinx was noted sonographically (group I) whereas, in 1,648 cycles, no such image was documented.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Pregnancy and implantation rates.

RESULTS

Group I displayed a significantly lower pregnancy rate per transfer than group II (16.84% versus 36.83%) and a lower implantation rate (3.92% versus 11.53%).

CONCLUSION

The presence of hydrosalpinx adversely affects the outcome of IVF.