Embryo transfer on day 3 using low versus high fluid volume

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the success of in vitro fertilization when embryos were transferred with low or high fluid volume. Study design: A total of 191 consecutive embryo transfer cycles were performed with low (15–20 μl, n=94) or with high (40–50 μl, n=97) fluid volume at an University-based IVF center. In a retrospective analysis, differences in the pregnancy rate were compared by the two-tailed t-test. Results: There was no significant difference with regard to patients’ age, number of previous attempts, number of oocytes recovered and fertilization rate. Compared to low fluid volume, a high volume for loading the transfer catheter resulted in significantly higher pregnancy (40% versus 23%, P=0.012) and implantation rate (24.4% versus 14.7%, P=0.011). Conclusions: For transfer of embryos on day 3 the amount of fluid volume for transfer has a significant impact on pregnancy and implantation rates.