What is ReceptIVFity?
ReceptIVFity is a new test that gives you a better insight into the chances of success of IVF or ICSI treatment. This test is performed prior to an IVF or ICSI treatment and examines whether the conditions in the womb are right for an embryo to implant.
Scientific research has demonstrated that the composition of bacteria in the vagina (the vaginal microbiome) plays an important role in the chances of achieving a successful pregnancy using fertility treatments such as IVF or ICSI. The ratios between the different types of bacteria create a profile that generates a low, medium or high ReceptIVFity score.
The test, how does it work?
Before you start the IVF or ICSI treatment, you will collect some mucus from the vagina using a special cotton swab from the test pack. After collecting the sample, you will place the cotton swab in the tube with liquid that has been provided and give this tube to the doctor. This tube will then be sent to the laboratory. In the laboratory, the bacterial DNA collected from this sample will be used to determine your microbiome profile: the result can be favourable or unfavourable. Your doctor will receive the result within 7 working days and he/she will discuss the results with you.
The home test
You can also order the test yourself, as a home test. This can be convenient, if your clinic does not have the test available. On the day you have dicussed with your doctor, take the test according to the enclosed instructions. Send the sample back to the lab for analysis.
You can check the result of the test online. We will prepare a report for you which includes all the information that your fertility doctor needs. You can find all the information on the home test at our webshop.
The result
The ReceptIVFity test determines the profile of the bacterial balance in the vagina and can result in an unfavourable, good or very good score.
With a very good score, the chance of pregnancy is 64.6%*. In the case of a good score, the chance of pregnancy is 34.4%*. An unfavourable score means the chance of becoming pregnant after an IVF or ICSI treatment is 5.2%*. In this way, you know whether this moment is optimal for an embryo transfer.
The proven reliability of the test is for a period of two months following the test. Further research to determine if the profile can be influenced positively is being conducted.
*% pregnancies (confirmed by ultrasound) after first embryo transfer following sampling
If you have a (very) good ReceptIVFity score, this does not mean that you will definitely become pregnant, but the chances are good. On average, the first IVF or ICSI treatment has just over 30% chance of resulting in a pregnancy and a (very) good scoring profile increases this chance. However, in addition to the bacterial balance there are also other factors that play a role in the chances of pregnancy: such as the quality of the egg and the sperm, the viability of the embryo, the woman’s body mass (BMI) and age.
Did you take the test, and want to know your results?
An overview of the decisions
Once you have decided with your doctor to start an IVF or ICSI treatment, you can decide in consultation with your doctor whether you want to take the test or not. The test is very simple, causes no side effects and the results will become available quite quickly, but there may be costs for you.
An unfavourable score, what next?
If the test results in a low score, you can consult your doctor about your options. It is important to realise that the proven reliability of the test is for a period of two months following the test. The bacterial profile can change over time.
Shared decision making
Regardless of the testresults: the decision about starting IVF treatment is entirely up to you (and your partner). After consulting your doctor, and based on your personal circumstances, you decide whether or not to start IVF or ICSI treatment at this time.
Several factors can play a role in this decision. For example:
- The physical and mental stress/burden of an IVF or ICSI treatment
- The number of IVF or ICSI treatments (and/or the number of embryo transfers) that will (still) be reimbursed by your insurance company
- Any treatment costs that you will have to pay for yourself
- Other personal factors