Human in vitro fertilization in a private program: Reproductive Genetics in Vitro, P.C.

Reproductive Genetics in Vitro, P.C., began a program of human in vitro fertilization in a private practice setting in September of 1982, after nearly 1 year of preparation prior to the cycling of the first patient. Ovarian stimulation is most often by Clomid, 50 mg tid, on days 3 through 9 of the cycle. Follicle development is monitored by daily ultrasound, estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) measurements. Serum progesterone measurements are made the last few days prior to anticipated ovulation to detect early signs of luteinization. In the first phase of our program 12 patients with pure tubal obstruction have had one or more oocytes retrieved by laparoscopy. All oocytes fertilized such that every patient who had oocytes retrieved had embryos placed in the uterus. Of the first 12 patients who had embryo placement, 2 are ongoing and normal in the second trimester of pregnancy, with delivery expected shortly after the first issue of this journal. Five others showed early signs of clinical pregnancy as indicated by acentrically located gestational sacs (as opposed to the typical centrally located pseudogestational sac) or transiently elevated human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG).