Many factors influence the success rate of an IVF cycle, but the most influential factor is undoubtedly the woman’s age. From the age of 35 onwards, a woman’s fertility in achieving pregnancy spontaneously decreases. Up to the age of 25, a woman without fertility problems has a 25% chance of monthly pregnancy, and this percentage progressively decreases from the age of 35 onwards, reaching a meager percentage of spontaneous pregnancy from the age of 40 onwards. While it is true that with IVF, these figures improve, we must not forget that assisted reproduction techniques do not achieve pregnancy in all cases.
Other factors that influence the success of in vitro fertilization include low ovarian reserve (often related to age), a body mass index above 30 or below 19, gynecological diseases such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, Asherman syndrome, etc. As for male infertility treatment factors that can affect us, we could discuss sperm DNA fragmentation, azoospermia that forces us to resort to a testicular biopsy, etc.
Is it easy to achieve success with IVF on the first try?
It is a very common belief that it is very difficult to get pregnant in the first cycle, but there is practically the same percentage of success in each cycle of in vitro fertilization, so the percentages add up. With three cycles of in vitro fertilization, almost 90% of patients achieve pregnancy. Therefore, pregnancy can be achieved excellently in the first cycle.
The success rate of in vitro fertilization
In this regard, we must study the data from the Spanish Fertility Society (SEF) that reflect the success rates of assisted reproduction techniques and other parameters at the state level. We must always compare ourselves to these data and never be below them. This is how I will describe the latest data from the Spanish Fertility Society, which correspond to those of 2017, although those of 2018 are about to be published.
I will describe the success rate in cycles using own oocytes by age, excluding oocyte donation cycles since the pregnancy rate with donor oocytes is much higher.
Is the success rate better with IVF or ICSI?
It depends on the indication for the assisted reproduction technique. If there is a malefactor, then ICSI is required since, with conventional IVF, the fertilization rate would be lower, lowering the technique’s success rate.
We hope that this new entry in our blog has helped you resolve your doubts about the success rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF). If you have any questions, please contact our team of fertility clinic specialists by requesting a free first visit.
A big hug from the whole team
Genova Fertility Institute
