Success Rates of IVF: Understanding Factors That Influence Outcomes

The journey of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a deeply personal and emotional experience for many couples dreaming of parenthood.

In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) that helps individuals and couples struggling with infertility to conceive a child. It involves a series of procedures in which an egg is fertilised by sperm in a controlled laboratory environment. Then, the embryo is transferred into the uterus to establish a pregnancy.

The Role of IVF in Treating Infertility

Infertility is no less than a global problem affecting people of all communities, and the cause of infertility may vary with geographical location as well as socio-economic status. 

Thankfully, IVF has changed the painful scenario by giving hope where once there was none.

Many medical conditions that once marked the end of a couple’s dreams of parenthood- such as blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm count, or unexplained infertility due to genetic causes can now be overcome with the use of IVF. 

While IVF has brought smiles to millions, understanding its success rates and the factors that influence successful outcomes can help you with realistic expectations and hope.

This blog will help you understand the factors affecting success rates of IVF and how to enhance the possibility of expected outcomes.

What Are IVF Success Rates and How does it Vary?

For individuals or couples facing infertility, understanding the success rates of IVF isn’t just a matter of statistics. It’s about embracing hope, preparing for the journey, and celebrating the possibilities ahead.

If you are a new couple, you must be worried on how to make IVF successful the first time. You should understand that there are several factors that affect the success of IVF. Let’s discuss some of them below.

Patient-Related Factors

• IVF Success Rates By Age

Age is one of the most critical factors influencing IVF success. Many evidence have suggested that the Women below 35 years have higher success rates due to better ovarian reserve and egg quality.

• Ovarian Reserve

The number and quality of eggs present in a woman’s ovaries directly affect IVF results. For instance, a lower ovarian reserve reduces the likelihood of producing viable embryos.

A study published in Fertility and Sterility found that women with an anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level above 1.0 ng/mL had better chances of successful pregnancy and If the AMH level is below this range will take approximately 20% longer to conceive.

• Body Weight

Being overweight, that is having a BMI over 30 or underweight with BMI lower than 18.5 negatively affects hormonal balance and implantation.

Research from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) shows that women with a healthy BMI (18.5-24.9) have a 30% higher chance of live birth compared to obese women.

Some medical conditions in women such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCS), and thyroid disorders also affect success rates of IVF.

A meta-analysis in Human Reproduction Update revealed that IVF success rates are 20-25% lower in women suffering from severe endometriosis.

• Sperm Quality

To establish a successful pregnancy some factors such as sperm motility, count, and morphology are important. Sometimes, IVF experts need to use advanced techniques like intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI) when sperm quality is poor for IVF .

Using ICSI improves fertilisation rates by 70-80% when the cause of infertility is male.

Sometimes, habits like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and exposure to toxins can also impair sperm quality.

A 2021 study in Andrology indicated that smoking reduces sperm motility by approximately 13%.

• Embryo Quality

Embryo quality is one of the most critical criteria in determining IVF success. The ability of embryos to develop can be established according to cell division rate and symmetry without fragmentation.

After the assessment, Low-grade embryos (LGE) and low-grade blastocysts (LGB) are rejected and high-quality, high-transfer order embryos are considered for further steps. 

Laboratory Protocol

The protocols chosen for the choice of ovarian stimulation affect egg retrieval outcomes.

Studies suggest that individualised IVF protocols generated based on AMH levels and age result in higher success rates as compared to standard protocols.

• Antagonist Protocol: It is suitable for women at risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).
• Long Protocol: Often used for women with a good ovarian reserve.
• Mild Stimulation Protocol: Ideal for women with diminished ovarian reserves.

Frozen Embryo Vs. Fresh Embryo Success Rates

Frozen Embryos: It often result in better implantation rates. Data from the Human Reproduction Journal shows Frozen Embryo Transfer cycles achieve a live birth rate of 52-62% in women below the age of 35. This is slightly higher than fresh transfers.

This is because freezing allows for synchronisation of the uterine lining, leading to better chances of implantation.

Fresh Embryo Transfer (ET): In this process, Embryos are transferred within the same cycle. It doesn't require freezing and thawing of embryos.

The embryo transfer success rate with fresh transfers has a live birth rate of 48-55% in women under the age of 35, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This is also a safe option for embryos to survive the freezing and thawing process. It requires additional preparation and synchronisation and thus increasing the overall treatment time.

What Happens During and After IVF Treatment?

Since IVF is based on advancements in technology, you should carefully discuss with your IVF specialist the preparations you need to make. Here’s a quick overview for you.

Consultation and Preparation

During your consultation with the best fertility specialist, your medical history, fertility challenges, as well as family goals will be discussed. Together, you’ll generate a treatment plan that feels right for you.

During IVF Treatment

Ovarian Stimulation

During a natural menstrual cycle, your ovaries typically release one mature egg. However, in IVF, ovarian stimulation is used so that the ovaries produce multiple eggs. This enhances the probability of creating healthy embryos.

To stimulate the ovary, hormonal injections are prescribed after which it produces multiple eggs. This phase includes regular monitoring through ultrasounds and blood tests to track your progress.

• Egg Retrieval: This is a minimally invasive, painless procedure performed to collect mature eggs from your ovaries. 
• Fertilisation and Embryo Development: This is performed in the Lab where Your eggs are combined with sperm (through conventional IVF or ICSI) to create embryos. 
• Embryo Transfer: This is the most crucial day when one or more embryos are carefully placed into your uterus using a thin catheter. It’s a quick as well as gentle procedure.

After IVF Treatment

Once the embryo transfer is over, you have to wait for about two weeks to take a pregnancy test. A blood test confirms whether the embryo has been implanted successfully.

My husband and I have gone through a lot of challenges for a good four years without conceiving a baby. We have tried treatments in Nairobi, Kenya but there were no results. We have also tried traditional medicines without any luck. Vaidam helped us consult a doctor at the International Fertility Centre, after which I was blessed with a baby girl.

A patient from South Sudan, after successful IVF in India.

What Comes Next after IVF Treatment?

1. If You’re Pregnant

Regular follow-ups will ensure that your pregnancy is progressing smoothly. 

2. If You Need Another Cycle

Remember, every attempt at IVF brings you closer to conception. Your doctor will analyse the cycle and adjust the plan to improve outcomes. 

How to Improve IVF Success Rates?

1. Optimise Your Health Before IVF

• Maintain a Healthy Weight and aim for a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9.
• Include antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins found in leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and fish in your diet
• Avoiding excessive caffeine or alcohol can negatively impact egg and sperm quality.
• Manage stress and practice yoga, meditation, or counselling.

2. Consider Regular Genetic Testing

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is a technique that can help identify embryos with abnormal chromosomes. Once the normal chromosomes are segregated and transferred, such embryos improve the chances of implantation and reduce miscarriage risks.

With regular monitoring, your doctor ensures that:

• The endometrial lining is suitable for embryo implantation.
• Egg development timing aligns with the stimulation protocol.

Choosing the Best IVF Clinic

According to the data by Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), women below the age of 35 show a live birth rate of approximately 54.5% per IVF cycle. This decreases to 21.3% for women aged between 38-40 and 3.9% for women over 42 years of age.

You should look for clinics with consistent success rates that too with different age groups. Ensure they report live birth rates rather than pregnancy rates for transparency. The live births vary with age and are defined as delivery of a baby who shows any signs of life such as breathing, regular heart beat, any type of movements etc.

The experienced doctors, embryologists, and support staff make a significant difference at the best IVF clinics. Clinics with highly advanced laboratories and technology are better at handling complex cases.

Some of the best IVF centres in India use advanced techniques like freezing embryos, genetic testing, and monitoring embryos with time-lapse technology to improve success rates and increase the chances of IVF working.

Financial Aspect of IVF

Prior to treatment, understanding the cost involved in IVF helps individuals and couples prepare better for the emotional, logistical, and monetary challenges of the treatment.

The average cost of IVF treatment in India ranges between $ 4200 and $ 6500. This cost includes evaluation tests, doctor’s fees, medical consumables, and a hospital stay for 1-2 days. However, additional procedures if involved, may affect the overall IVF cost.

Type of Procedure	IINR (Min-Max)	USD (Min-Max)
IVF with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)	1,50,000-2,00,000	3500-4000
IVF with Donor Eggs	2,60,000-3,20,000	5500-6000
IVF with Donor Sperm	2,90,000	5000
Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)	23,800	400

Many clinics offer payment plans or IVF treatment packages, offering multiple cycles at discounted rates. Remember that affordability shouldn’t be a barrier to parenthood, and with proper planning and guidance, you can make IVF more budget-friendly.

IVF Success Rates: Beyond Statistics

Deciding to pursue IVF is a significant step filled with emotions, and hope. By understanding the factors that influence success rates, you are better prepared to navigate the journey. 

While success rates provide a helpful guide, IVF is a deeply personal experience that varies from person to person. So, instead of solely focusing on percentages, work closely with your IVF clinics to customise a treatment plan that suits your needs.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions, stay informed, and focus on what works best for your unique situation.