Shady Grove Fertility Reduces Complicated Multiple Pregnancy Resulting From In Vitro Fertilization to Less Than Half the National Average

Shady Grove Fertility Reproductive Science Center, the nation’s largest fertility and IVF practice, and located in Washington, DC metropolitan area, has reduced the riskiest multiple pregnancies to 1.6% in women under 35, less than half the national average. According to the latest and recently released data in the 2005 Assisted Reproductive Technologies National Outcomes Report (Table below), Shady Grove Fertility’s pregnancy rates were statistically significantly higher than the national averages despite a low number of embryos transferred per cycle and the reduced number of high-order multiple births. (More than 85% of the IVF centers in the U.S report their annual results, in uniform format, to the Society for Assisted Reproduction)

2005 IVF Outcome Data

(women < 35 using their own eggs in fresh IVF Cycles)

 * eSET = elective Single Embryo Transfer

 View SGFC's complete SART report

Since 2002, the physicians and embryologists at Shady Grove Fertility have been working towards reducing the number twins and triplets pregnancies resulting from Assisted Reproductive Technology treatment. They accomplished their goals by reducing the average number of embryos being placed back in the woman’s uterus and through an initiative termed elective single embryo transfer (eSET). “The success of this initiative is primarily related to high likelihood that any one embryo from our program will implant, thus allowing us to reduce the number transferred without compromising pregnancy rates” states Robert J. Stillman, Medical Director at Shady Grove Fertility Centers.

Multiple births, and especially triplets or higher, have long been considered a complication of IVF treatment due to the increased risk of pregnancy complications and complications to the offspring, mainly from prematurity. In an IVF setting, the potential of producing multiple gestations is significantly reduced when fewer embryos are put back into the patient’s uterus. But, for couples whose hopes and dreams are riding on the outcome of the cycle, convincing them their pregnancy rate won’t decrease as a result can be challenging. Shady Grove Fertility has accepted that challenge on behalf of its patients and the safety and well being of their offspring. Besides the clinical and laboratory expertise, this goal is enhanced by maintaining detailed data on every one of the over 3,400 IVF treatment cycles performed at Shady Grove Fertility on an annual basis. This data is continually reviewed, analyzed, and used to improve clinical outcomes. The information is also presented to patients so they can feel confident that they won’t compromise their chances for pregnancy when making the choice to reduce the number of embryos resulting from their IVF cycle.

Patients can access Shady Grove Fertility’s comprehensive IVF success rates at www.shadygrovefertility.com. The most recent, and previous year’s, SART Report with clinic specific data can be viewed on www.sart.org. Historical information can help you identify trends in key areas as noted in the table above. Careful evaluation and understanding of this information can help patients make the most informed decisions about their fertility care.