Analysis of 1071 gift procedures--the case for a flexible approach to treatment.

An analysis of the outcome of first gamete intrafallopian transfers for 1071 women indicates that for those aged 40 years or more all the oocytes had to be transferred to obtain a 19.2% pregnancy rate. In this age-group pregnancy rate and multiple pregnancy rate were significantly lower than those for younger women. Success rate, but not multiple pregnancy rate, was significantly higher in the group of women from whom 11 or more oocytes were recovered and transferred after ovulation induction than when only 1-4 oocytes were recovered and transferred. The findings suggest that the number of oocytes transferred should depend on clinical circumstances.