Comparison of the transfer of equal numbers of blastocysts versus cleavage-stage embryos after repeated failure of in vitro fertilization cycles

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of blastocyst transfer in women with at least two previously unsuccessful in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) attempts. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 238 couples (with previous implantation failures) had equal number (two) of cleavage-stage embryos (n = 143) or blastocysts (n = 95) transferred in the same IVF center. RESULTS: The clinical pregnancy rates and live-birth rates were similar in the cleavage-stage embryo transfer group and the blastocyst group (35.6% vs. 40% and 32.1% vs. 35.7%; p > 0.05, respectively). Miscarriage rates (9.8% vs. 10.5%) and multiple pregnancy rates (15.6% vs. 23.6%) did not differ. Although implantation rate was higher with blastocyst transfer than that with day 3 transfer, it did not reach to a statistical significance (24.7% and 19%, respectively, p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Blastocyst transfer in ICSI cycles does not yield a better outcome than that obtained with cleavage-stage embryos in women who had unsuccessful IVF attempts previously.