In vitro fertilization (IVF)

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IVF; Assisted reproductive technology; ART; Test-tube baby procedure

Statistics vary from one clinic to another and must be carefully interpreted.

• Pregnancy rates reflect the number of women who became pregnant after IVF. But not all pregnancies result in a live birth.
• Live birth rates reflect the number of women who give birth to a living child.

According to the Society of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (SART), the approximate chance of giving birth to a live baby after IVF is as follows:

• 41-43% for women under age 35
• 33-36% for women age 35 - 37
• 23-27% for women ages 38 - 40
• 13-18% for women over age 41

After embryo transfer, the woman may be told to rest for the remainder of the day. Complete bed rest is not necessary, unless there is an increased risk of OHSS. Most women return to normal activities the next day.

Women who undergo IVF must take daily shots or pills of the hormone progesterone for 8 - 10 weeks after the embryo transfer. Progesterone is a hormone produced naturally by the ovaries that helps thicken the lining of the womb (uterus). This makes it easier for the embryo to implant. Too little progesterone during the early weeks of pregnancy may result in a miscarriage.

About 12 -14 days after the embryo transfer, the woman will return to the clinic so that a pregnancy test can be done. (See: hCG quantitative test)

Call your health care provider right away if you had IVF and have:

• A fever over 100.5 F (38 C)
• Pelvic pain
• Heavy bleeding from the vagina
• Blood in the urine

Review Date: 01/31/2007
Reviewed By: Bryan R. Hecht, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cleveland Clinic, Canfield, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.