Purpose: The relationship between the number of replaced embryos and the outcome of IVF-ET in patients with hydrosalpinges was investigated in a retrospective, nonrandomized study performed at a governmental IVF center.
Methods: One hundred patients undergoing 161 IVF cycles ending in embryo transfer were studied. Previously diagnosed hydrosalpinges were evident on transvaginal sonography in 48 cycles in 26 patients (group I) and not evident in 15 cycles in 10 patients (group II). The control group included 98 cycles in 64 patients with tubal lesions other than hydrosalpinx. Pregnancy and implantation rates were the main outcome measures.
Results: Replacement of three or fewer embryos was associated with significantly lower implantation rates in group I compared to controls. Despite the difference in the rank of IVF trial within the same group, significantly lower implantation rates were found when four or fewer embryos were replaced in the control group and not in group I.
Conclusion: An increased number of replaced embryos counteracts the adverse effect of hydrosalpinges on IVF/ ET outcome.