Factors Affecting the Outcomes of First in vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer: A Retrospective Investigation

Abstract

Background The outcome of embryo transfer (ET) is multifactorial. A variety of patient-related, procedural-related, and operator-related factors are known to play a role. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of ET and determine the factors that affect the outcome. Methods The study involved a retrospective design involving 300 first in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycles between 2011 and 2021. The outcome included 155 unsuccessful cycles and 145 successful IVF-ET leading to pregnancy. The outcomes were examined for different variables, including age, weight, height, body mass index, cause of infertility, number of embryos fertilized during the cycle, day of ET, whether the embryo was frozen, presence of blood or mucus during the procedure, the use of a stylet, tenaculum, uterine sound/dilator, and catheter type. Logistic regression was used to analyze factors affecting the outcomes of ET. Results The mean age was 27.84 ± 3.77 years. Patients who had blood during the procedure (32.9% vs 17.2%, p = 0.002), mucus (31% vs 20.7%, p = 0.049), or used the tenaculum (16.8% vs 6.9%, p = 0.012) were more likely to have unsuccessful IVF-ET. Logistic regression to adjust for related factors revealed that the presence of blood (AOR = 2.21, 95% CI 1.04 to 4.66, p = 0.038) during the ET had a higher likelihood of an unsuccessful outcome. Conclusion This study showed that the presence of blood during the ET cycle influenced clinical pregnancy. This highlights the importance of performing the procedure under atraumatic conditions. Level of Evidence Level III; retrospective comparative study.