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Table 1 Assumptions underlying the modelling and their corresponding sources

From: Cost-effectiveness of primary offer of IVF vs. primary offer of IUI followed by IVF (for IUI failures) in couples with unexplained or mild male factor subfertility

Assumption

Source

There is an 1:1 ratio between "fresh" and "frozen" cycles, assuming 25% of couples have 0 FET, 50% have 1 FET and 25% have 2 FET

Hypothetical assumption, based on informed judgement

IVF and IVF/ICSI ratio is 1:1

Hypothetical assumption, based on informed judgement

100% compliance and 0% drop out with IUI treatment

Hypothetical assumption, based on informed judgement

Effectiveness

 

LBR following a "full" IVF (IVF/ICSI) cycle is 19.26% (all ages)

HFEA 1995–19991

LBR following "frozen" IVF (IVF/ICSI) cycle is 10.40% (all ages)

HFEA 1995–19991

LBR following unstimulated IUI is 3.5% per cycle

Informed judgement, based on local data on effectiveness of stimulated IUI and by halving this, peer-reviewed literature11

LBR following gonadotrophin-stimulated IUI is 7% per cycle

Based on local activity data

LBR following clomifene- stimulated IUI is 3%

Informed judgement, local activity data, and peer reviewed literature 12

Cost

 

-Cost of "fresh" IVF (IVF/ICSI) is £3,214 assuming 50% of "fresh" cycles will be ICSI cycles -Cost of "frozen" IVF (IVF/ICSI) is £450 -Cost of unstimulated IUI is £449 -Cost of stimulated IUI is £1005 -Cost of Clomiphene stimulated IUI is £752

NICE estimates1

90% of couples who fail IUI proceed to IVF

Hypothetical, based on informed judgement

  1. LBR: Live birth rate
  2. FET: Frozen embryo transfer