Abstract
Purpose
To identify common and varying practice patterns used by in vitro fertilization (IVF) providers from a broadly distributed, worldwide survey. Specific information regarding clinical IVF practices involving the oocyte maturation triggering, oocyte retrieval and embryo transfer was elicited.
Methods
This is an internet-based questionnaire study of IVF practices throughout the world. We used 26 multiple choice questions regarding common clinical practices. The data reported are weighted based on the number of IVF cycles performed at the specific IVF center, represented by a single respondent.
Results
Surveys were completed from 359 centers in 71 countries throughout the world. The most common practice patterns (defined as ≥75 % of IVF cycles) identified included: use of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for trigger with an antagonist protocol, no routine patient monitoring from hCG trigger to oocyte retrieval, timing oocyte retrieval 34–37 h following oocyte maturing trigger, use of a single lumen retrieval needle, no routine tests following oocyte retrieval prior to patient discharge and use of ultrasound assistance with embryo transfer.
Conclusions
This is the largest and most diversely represented survey of specific IVF practices addressing oocyte maturation triggers, oocyte retrieval and embryo transfers. Several uniform practice patterns were identified that can be correlated with evidence-based medicine; however, we identified multiple variable practice patterns which is likely the result of the absence of definitive evidence to guide IVF practitioners. The results of this survey allow IVF providers to compare their specific practice patterns with those of a global diverse population of IVF providers.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Min JK, Breheny SA, MacLachlan V, Healy DL (2004) What is the most relevant standard of success in assisted reproduction? The singleton, term gestation, live birth rate per cycle initiated: the BESST endpoint for assisted reproduction. Human Reprod (Oxford, England) 19(1):3–7
Vaisbuch E, Leong M, Shoham Z (2012) Progesterone support in IVF: is evidence-based medicine translated to clinical practice? A worldwide web-based survey. Reprod Biomed Online 25(2):139–145. doi:10.1016/j.rbmo.2012.04.005
Van Voorhis BJ, Thomas M, Surrey ES, Sparks A (2010) What do consistently high-performing in vitro fertilization programs in the U.S. do? Fertil Steril 94(4):1346–1349. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.06.048
Haydardedeoglu B, Cok T, Kilicdag EB, Parlakgumus AH, Simsek E, Bagis T (2011) In vitro fertilization-intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes in single- versus double-lumen oocyte retrieval needles in normally responding patients: a randomized trial. Fertil Steril 95(2):812–814. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.09.013
Scott RT, Hofmann GE, Muasher SJ, Acosta AA, Kreiner DK, Rosenwaks Z (1989) A prospective randomized comparison of single- and double-lumen needles for transvaginal follicular aspiration. J In Vitro Fert Embryo Transf 6(2):98–100
Fritz MA (2011) Clinical gynecologic endocrinology and infertility, 8th edn. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia
Mansour RT, Aboulghar MA, Serour GI (1994) Study of the optimum time for human chorionic gonadotropin-ovum pickup interval in in vitro fertilization. J Assist Reprod Genet 11(9):478–481
Bjercke S, Tanbo T, Dale PO, Abyholm T (2000) Comparison between two hCG-to-oocyte aspiration intervals on the outcome of in vitro fertilization. J Assist Reprod Genet 17(6):319–322
Youssef MA, Van der Veen F, Al-Inany HG, Griesinger G, Mochtar MH, Aboulfoutouh I, Khattab SM, van Wely M (2011) Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist versus HCG for oocyte triggering in antagonist assisted reproductive technology cycles. Cochrane Database Syst Rev (Online) (1):CD008046. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008046.pub3
Brown J, Buckingham K, Abou-Setta AM, Buckett W (2010) Ultrasound versus ‘clinical touch’ for catheter guidance during embryo transfer in women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev (Online) (1):CD006107. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006107.pub3
Abou-Setta AM, Mansour RT, Al-Inany HG, Aboulghar MM, Aboulghar MA, Serour GI (2007) Among women undergoing embryo transfer, is the probability of pregnancy and live birth improved with ultrasound guidance over clinical touch alone? A systemic review and meta-analysis of prospective randomized trials. Fertil Steril 88(2):333–341. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.11.161
Youssef MA, Al-Inany HG, Aboulghar M, Mansour R, Abou-Setta AM (2011) Recombinant versus urinary human chorionic gonadotrophin for final oocyte maturation triggering in IVF and ICSI cycles. Cochrane Database Syst Rev (Online) (4):CD003719. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003719.pub3
Kwan I, Bhattacharya S, Knox F, McNeil A (2013) Pain relief for women undergoing oocyte retrieval for assisted reproduction. Cochrane Database Syst Reviews (Online) 1:CD004829. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004829.pub3
Hannoun A, Awwad J, Zreik T, Ghaziri G, Abu-Musa A (2008) Effect of betadine vaginal preparation during oocyte aspiration in in vitro fertilization cycles on pregnancy outcome. Gynecol Obstet Invest 66(4):274–278. doi:10.1159/000156378
van Os HC, Roozenburg BJ, Janssen-Caspers HA, Leerentveld RA, Scholtes MC, Zeilmaker GH, Alberda AT (1992) Vaginal disinfection with povidon iodine and the outcome of in vitro fertilization. Hum Reprod (Oxford, England) 7(3):349–350
Amstey MS, Jones AP (1981) Preparation of the vagina for surgery. A comparison of povidone-iodine and saline solution. JAMA, J Am Med Assoc 245(8):839–841
Dicker D, Ashkenazi J, Feldberg D, Levy T, Dekel A, Ben-Rafael Z (1993) Severe abdominal complications after transvaginal ultrasonographically guided retrieval of oocytes for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Fertil Steril 59(6):1313–1315
Roest J, Mous HV, Zeilmaker GH, Verhoeff A (1996) The incidence of major clinical complications in a Dutch transport IVF programme. Hum Reprod Update 2(4):345–353
Bennett SJ, Waterstone JJ, Cheng WC, Parsons J (1993) Complications of transvaginal ultrasound-directed follicle aspiration: a review of 2670 consecutive procedures. J Assist Reprod Genet 10(1):72–77
Derks RS, Farquhar C, Mol BW, Buckingham K, Heineman MJ (2009) Techniques for preparation prior to embryo transfer. Cochrane Database Syst Reviews (Online) (4):CD007682. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007682.pub2
Abou-Setta AM (2007) What is the best site for embryo deposition? A systematic review and meta-analysis using direct and adjusted indirect comparisons. Reprod Biomed Online 14(5):611–619
Franco JG Jr, Martins AM, Baruffi RL, Mauri AL, Petersen CG, Felipe V, Contart P, Pontes A, Oliveira JB (2004) Best site for embryo transfer: the upper or lower half of endometrial cavity? Hum Reprod (Oxford, England) 19(8):1785–1790. doi:10.1093/humrep/deh308
Coroleu B, Barri PN, Carreras O, Martinez F, Parriego M, Hereter L, Parera N, Veiga A, Balasch J (2002) The influence of the depth of embryo replacement into the uterine cavity on implantation rates after IVF: a controlled, ultrasound-guided study. Hum Reprod (Oxford, England) 17(2):341–346
Waterstone J, Curson R, Parsons J (1991) Embryo transfer to low uterine cavity. Lancet 337(8754):1413
Bennett S, Waterstone J, Parsons J, Creighton S (1993) Two cases of cervical pregnancy following in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer to the lower uterine cavity. J Assist Reprod Genet 10(1):100–103
Amarin ZO, Obeidat BR (2004) Bed rest versus free mobilisation following embryo transfer: a prospective randomised study. BJOG 111(11):1273–1276. doi:10.1111/j.1471-0528.2004.00346.x
Purcell KJ, Schembri M, Telles TL, Fujimoto VY, Cedars MI (2007) Bed rest after embryo transfer: a randomized controlled trial. Fertil Steril 87(6):1322–1326. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.11.060
Sharif K, Afnan M, Lashen H, Elgendy M, Morgan C, Sinclair L (1998) Is bed rest following embryo transfer necessary? Fertil Steril 69(3):478–481
Botta G, Grudzinskas G (1997) Is a prolonged bed rest following embryo transfer useful? Hum Reprod (Oxford, England) 12(11):2489–2492
Gaikwad S, Garrido N, Cobo A, Pellicer A, Remohi J (2013) Bed rest after embryo transfer negatively affects in vitro fertilization: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Fertil Steril 100(3):729–735. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.05.011
Rezabek K, Koryntova D, Zivny J (2001) Does bedrest after embryo transfer cause a worse outcome in in vitro fertilization? Ceska Gynekol/Ceska Lek Spol J Ev Purkyne 66(3):175–178
Conflict of interest
None of the above listed authors has a conflict of interest to report.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Tobler, K.J., Zhao, Y., Weissman, A. et al. Worldwide survey of IVF practices: trigger, retrieval and embryo transfer techniques. Arch Gynecol Obstet 290, 561–568 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-014-3232-6
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-014-3232-6