Conventional in vitro fertilization at the age of fourties.

OBJECTIVE

Contrary to international guidelines, intracytoplasmic injection (ICSI) has increasingly been applied to a widening range of indications. The aim of this study is to present our experience with conventional in vitro fertilization (C-IVF) in women in their forties and to contribute to the ongoing debate on whether advanced maternal age should be considered an indication for preferring ICSI.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

We analyzed cases of non-male factor infertility in women aged ≥40 years. The primary outcome measures were fertilization rate, implantation rate, live birth rate, and miscarriage rate.

RESULTS

The cohort included 204 patients with a mean age of 42.30±1.97 years, a mean antral follicle count of 4.65±2.60, body mass index of 25.80±4.54 kg/m2 and a mean duration of infertility of 4.12±4.03 years. The mean duration of stimulation was 8.73±2.22 days, with a mean gonadotropin dose of 261.82±65.25 IU. The fertilisation rate was 74.69%. A mean of 1.77±0.60 embryos were transferred resulting in an implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate of 10.44%, 18.62%, 12.25% respectively.

CONCLUSION

Fertilisation, implantation, live birth and miscarriage rates after C-IVF are satisfactory for women ≥40 years of age. Given its lower cost, ease of application and comparable clinical outcomes, C-IVF should be considered the preferred method of fertilisation in advanced-age patients.