Skip to content

Miscarriage study points to IVF success chances

Science Photo Library This type of IVF is known as intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The injected sperm fertilizes the egg and the resulting zygote is cultured until it reaches an early stage of embryonic development. It is then implanted into the uterusScience Photo Library

Mothers-to-be who miscarry during the first round of IVF are more likely to have a baby with further treatment than those who did not get pregnant, researchers have said.

The University of Aberdeen study looked at data for more than 100,000 women.

The results showed that those who miscarried during the first cycle had a 40.9% chance of having a baby over two further cycles of IVF.

There was a 30.1% chance for those who did not conceive in the first cycle.

Offer reassurance

And women who gave birth following their first full cycle of IVF had a 49% chance of giving birth again in subsequent IVF cycles.

It is hoped the study can offer "reassurance" to those considering their options.

The study - published in Human Reproduction - examined data from more than 112,000 women who started IVF treatment between 1999 and 2008.

line

Fertility facts

  • One in six couples in the UK experiences problems conceiving
  • Infertility in women is linked to age - the biggest decrease in fertility begins during the mid 30s
  • Common causes of infertility in women include lack of regular ovulation, blockage of the fallopian tubes and endometriosis
  • For 25% of couples the cause of infertility is unexplained
  • In men, the most common cause of infertility is poor quality of semen
  • More than five million people had been born as a result of IVF or Icsi (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) by the end of 2013
line

The study was carried out by fourth year medical student Natalie Cameron, led and supported by Dr David McLernon, Prof Siladitya Bhattacharya, and Dr Sohinee Bhattacharya.

Natalie Cameron
Natalie Cameron led the research

Ms Cameron said: "Miscarriage can be a devastating experience for any couple, but especially for those who have already struggled with infertility.

"This, coupled with the emotional and financial burden of multiple cycles of treatment can make many couples lose confidence and give up.

"We hope our findings will provide reassurance to these couples as they consider their options for continuing treatment."

IVF was pioneered by biologist Robert Edwards who, with gynaecologist Patrick Steptoe, fertilised the first human egg in a Cambridge laboratory in 1978.

Getty Images Edwards and SteptoeGetty Images
IVF pioneers Robert Edwards (L) and Patrick Steptoe (R) pose with the world's first IVF baby, Louise Brown