Transfer of six or more embryos improves success rates in patients with repeated in vitro fertilization failures

To examine the results of six or more embryos transferred to patients whose IVF-ET cycles repeatedly met with failure. Prospective clinical evaluation of pregnancy rates and pregnancy outcome. IVF-ET Unit. Seventy-two IVF patients who had failed at least four previous IVF cycles. Forty-one patients (group A) received six or more embryos, and 31 patients (group B) chose to receive five embryos. Per embryo implantation rate, pregnancy rate, multiple pregnancies, and outcome were evaluated. With the transfer of six or more embryos, the pregnancy rate was significantly higher than with the transfer of five embryos (56% versus 29%, respectively). This was associated with a slight, but insignificant, increase in multiple gestations. No difference in pregnancy outcome was noted among the groups. Patients who have had repeated IVF failures may have higher pregnancy rates if six or more embryos are transferred in subsequent cycles.