Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in Canada: 2001 results from the Canadian ART Register.

OBJECTIVE

To present the success rates of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) cycles performed in 2001 in Canada.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Nineteen of 22 ART centers in Canada.

PARTICIPANTS

Couples undergoing ART treatment in Canada during 2001.

METHODS

Data on each ART cycle performed during 2001 were submitted electronically to the Canadian ART Register (CARTR) by participating centers.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Clinical pregnancy and live birth rate per cycle started, multiple birth rate.

RESULT(S): A total of 7,884 ART cycles was reported to CARTR. There were 5,393 in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) cycles using the woman's own oocytes. Per cycle started, the pregnancy rate was 28.3%, and the live birth rate was 23.1%; the multiple birth rate per delivery was 32.8%. Of cycles with oocytes retrieved, IVF was performed in 44% and ICSI in 56%; the outcomes were similar with the two procedures. There were 301 IVF/ICSI cycles using donor oocytes. The pregnancy rate was 29.2%, and the live birth rate was 22.4%; the multiple birth rate was 43.5%. There were 1,936 frozen embryo transfer cycles using the woman's own oocytes. The pregnancy rate was 18.9%, and the live birth rate was 15.4%; the multiple birth rate was 24.9%.

CONCLUSION(S): For 2001, CARTR achieved 86% voluntary participation from Canadian ART centers. Pregnancy and live birth rates comparable to those of other countries were achieved.