Results of phase I of the in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer programme at Tygerberg Hospital.

Phase I (3 June - 31 October 1983) of the in vitro fertilization (IVF) programme at Tygerberg Hospital is outlined in this article. This programme led to the birth of the first IVF baby in South Africa after fertilization and embryo transfer (ET) took place at this institution. The baby was born on 29 April 1984; a second baby was born on 20 June 1984. During phase I 24 laparoscopies were performed; 32 oocytes were obtained from 56 follicles, of which 62,5% were fertilized. Eleven ETs were performed, which led to 3 pregnancies. An ongoing pregnancy rate of 18% per ET and a pregnancy rate of 12,5% per laparoscopy were achieved.