Abstract
A case of heterotopic or combined intrauterine and tubal ectopic pregnancy is described following in vitro fertilization and the transfer of five four-cell embryos. The phenomenon is known to be related to ovarian stimulation by gonadotropin therapy, and there is an increased risk with underlying tubal disease. This patient had both variables. Techniques applied at the time of embryo transfer are also implicated, namely, the use of culture medium with 50% maternal serum to convey the embryos to the uterus, the catheterization method, and the position of the patient during transfer.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Yovich JL, Stanger JD, Tuvik A. Hähnel R: Combined pregnancies following gonadotrophin therapy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1984:63:855–858
Yovich JL, Tuvik AI, Stanger JD, Hähnel R: Heterotopic pregnancies after gonadotrophin therapy.In Proceedings of the Fertility Society of Australia, 3rd Scientific Meeting, Brisbane, Australia, 1984. Clin Reprod Fertil (in press) (abstr)
Yovich JL, Stanger JD, Tuvik, AI, Yovich JM: In vitro fertilization in Western Australia: A viable service program. Med J Aust 1984:140:645–649
Seppälä M. The world collaborative report on in vitro fertilization and embryo replacement: Current state of the art in January 1984.In Proceedings of the III World Congress of in Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer, Helsinki, Finland, May 1984 Ann NY Acad Sci New York, 1985, pp 558–563
Yovich JL, Turner SR, Murphy AJ: Embryo transfer technique as a cause of ectopic pregnancies in IVF. Fertil Steril (in press)
McBain JC, Evans JH, Pepperell R, Robinson HP, Smith MA, Brown JB: An unexpectedly high rate of ectopic pregnancy following the induction of ovulation with human pituitary and chorionic gonadotrophin, Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1980;87:5–9
Johnston WIH, Speirs AL, Gronow MJ, McBain JC, Lopata A: Clinical aspects of in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.In In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer PGCrosignani, BLRubin (eds). London, Academic Press, 1983, pp 353–363
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Yovich, J.L., McColm, S.C., Turner, S.R. et al. Heterotopic pregnancy from in vitro fertilization. J Assist Reprod Genet 2, 146–150 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01131502
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01131502