IVF advances reduce multiple births

MULTIPLE pregnancies are becoming less common for women undergoing IVF treatment as a result of advancements in assisted reproductive technology, research shows.

While the number of treatment cycles is increasing, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has found fewer embryos are being transferred for each cycle and the proportion of multiple pregnancies has fallen.

The Assisted Reproduction Technology in Australia and New Zealand report shows the number of IVF cycles increased by 9 per cent between 2002 and 2003, while resulting multiple pregnancies dropped from 19.4 per cent in 1994 to 18.1 per cent in 2003.

AIHW National Perinatal Statistics Unit spokesman Professor Michael Chapman said the change reflected a decrease in the number of embryos being transferred.

"In 1994, three or more embryos were transferred in 48.7 per cent of transfer cycles compared with 4.3 per cent of cycles in 2003," he said.

Births were achieved in 23.7 per cent of embryo transfer cycles where women used their own fresh embryos and in 15.2 per cent with frozen embryos.

"Women aged 25-29 years achieved more successful outcomes with 35.1 per cent of embryo transfer cycles achieving a live delivery, while women aged 40-44 years had a success rate of 9.5 per cent," Prof Chapman said.

Fertility Society of Australia president Dr Adrianne Pope said the report reflected the high standards of reproductive technology in Australia.

Suzanne and Jason Smith, both 32, from Windsor Gardens, successfully used IVF for their 11-week-old babies, Joshua and Kaitlyn.

Mrs Smith had two embryos implanted in her womb said it was a "mixed emotion" when she found out she was pregnant with a boy and girl.