A New England Journal of Medicine study reports today that live-birth rates after assisted reproductive technology can approach those seen after natural conception. Using registry data, researchers estimated cumulative live-birth rates for almost 250,000 women undergoing more than 470,000 assisted reproductive cycles from 2004 through 2009.
Nearly 60% of women had a live birth.
When autologous oocytes were used, birth rates declined with increasing maternal age.
When donor oocytes were used, birth rates were over 60%, regardless of patient age.
Dr. Robert Rebar wrote in today's Journal Watch Women's Health: "Although live-birth rates with assisted reproductive technology have improved impressively, procedures remain stressful and costly, and discontinuation rates are high." Nonetheless, he adds, "this study confirms just how much these procedures have advanced; furthermore, the findings make a strong case for encouraging use of donor oocytes in infertile women who are 43 or older."
You may access a free abstract of the NEJM article here.
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