Two studies presented at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s Scientific Congress focused on the embryo transfer success of an IVF cycle. In the first study a team from Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey examined over 2000 cases from their practice between 2011 and 2015. They chose cycles where the embryo transfer procedure was assigned randomly to a “ET physician of the day” They found that live birth rate was strongly influenced by which individual performed the embryo transfer with success rates ranging from 51% to 66%.

A second study, performed at McGill University, examined 1240 cases and found that while pregnancy rates when the embryo transfer was performed by a new trainee were lower, by their second year of training the rates were comparable to those achieved by trained senior Reproductive Endocrinologists.

“This research demonstrates the importance of proper training in embryo transfer techniques. It is important that trainees develop good skills, and that senior practitioners continue to hone their technique,” said Owen K Davis, MD President of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.