In Vitro Fertilization, commonly called IVF, is a versatile Assisted Reproduction Technique (ART) gaining popularity over the years. It has been a blessing for many couples struggling with fertility issues and unable to fulfill their parenthood dreams. The first successful IVF was performed in 1978, and from then, there was no looking back.
IVF, through its treatment, addresses various fertility concerns and so becomes the most preferred fertility treatment option even in India. Advanced ART procedures such as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection (IMSI), Assisted hatching, Blastocyst culture, vitrification, and more can be easily coupled with IVF to give better outcomes.
Often, when you browse through the websites of various IVF clinics or visit the infertility centers, every clinic/center has its IVF success rate highlighted in its website and clinic status. This article mentions what defines IVF success rates and the factors influencing the success rates.
In this Article
What is IVF Success Rate?
As the name goes, IVF success rate is the success percentage of the IVF performed. The IVF success rate is generally the pregnancy success rate of an IVF treatment. This is done by calculating the percentage between the total number of successful IVF births and the total number of embryo transfers (ET) performed.
Successful IVF live births
IVF SUCCESS RATE = ─────────────────────── x 100
Total number of ET’s performed
According to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) India, the IVF success rate in India varies between the range of 30-35%. The various Multispeciality and Single Speciality Clinics have success rates based on the IVF performed in their clinics. The success rate of IVF varies between clinics, and these variations are because of the variable factors affecting its success.
Potential Factors Influencing IVF Success Rates
While deeply understanding the potential IVF success determining factors, it is important to know that IVF outcome and approach differ between couples and clinics. It also depends on the number of IVF attempts and corrections made in the consecutive attempts.
AGE
The most crucial factor determining IVF success is Age of the couple. In older women (above the age of 35), the quality of eggs produced falls rapidly. According to statistics, the possibility of a successful IVF is nearly 40% globally in young women (below the age of 35). While IVF pregnancy rates in women between 38-40 are 23% and only 10% in women above 40.
When we get into the age factor in men, above 40 may deteriorate the sperm count and quality,y impacting the IVF success chances.
Type and duration of Infertility
Underlying infertility play a crucial role in determining the IVF success rate. These fertility conditions decide the quality and quantity of gametes, responsible for the quality of embryos and IVF success. Certain infertility problems are genetic, congenital, acquired through infections that need to be treated initially before an IVF treatment.
While certain issues like the presence of dual ovaries, uterine malformations, fibroids, cysts, ovulation disorders may create hindrances in a successful pregnancy. And if the infertility condition has been there for a long time, this may lead to complications affecting the IVF chances.
Other Associated Conditions
Conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, Vitamin D deficiency, etc., are more likely to affect IVF outcomes. The endometrium of the uterus also is an important aspect. It is required for the endometrium to maintain a thickness of at least 7 mm, otherwise decreasing IVF implantation rates.
Quality of Eggs, sperm, and Embryos
It is believed that good-quality eggs can help obtain good-quality embryos. And almost 95% of the embryo quality is decided by the quality of the egg. Hence, a woman needs to generate high-quality eggs. However, the quality of an egg is again dependent on other factors such as age, fertility condition, and ovulation condition.
In Men, sperm numbers, morphology, and motility decide the embryo quality, fertilization rate, and chances of a successful IVF.
Number of IVF attempts
IVF Success increases with an increase in IVF trials. It is possible to have a successful IVF in the first attempt itself. But, if considering a second IVF cycle, the chances of pregnancy and IVF success are likely to increase. Studies suggest a cumulative of three IVF cycles increases the IVF pregnancy success to 45-53%. Hence, for women under 40, the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends 3 IVF cycles as a clinically and cost-effective number.
Donor Considerations
IVF exceptionally allows you to consider donor inclusions. The use of donor egg, sperm, embryo, or a surrogate depending on the fertility condition of the couple can considerably improve IVF success chances.
The IVF Centre
The facilities and features provided by the IVF center can also influence the IVF success rate. Some of the essential aspects of the IVF clinic to be considered are:
- Experience of the clinic,
- The inclusion of advanced ART protocols in regular practices with well-established latest techniques of IVF,
- Experience and skill of the IVF specialist in handling complicated fertility issues.
IVF is a technique that applies to extensive lab work. An IVF clinic with an in-house laboratory, cryopreservation units, and wide-ranging infertility services can help to deliver better IVF outcomes.
IVF and advanced ART procedures
Most stages of IVF are performed in-vitro or in sterile conditions. Every IVF stage requires meticulous monitoring and precise management. Be it the continuous observations during,
- The hormonal interventions of ovary stimulation,
- Viable gamete and embryo selection,
- Ultra-careful transferring of embryos,
- Or the uterine receptivity/conditions during transfer,
all the factors are pivotal to IVF success rates.
Advanced ART procedures like
- ICSI, IMSI, Blastocyst culture help eliminate fertility factors.
- Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis/Screening (PGD/PGS) favors genetic screening of embryos, and
- Assisted laser hatching aids artificial hatching of embryos.
These advanced procedures allow viable selection of gametes and contribute to improving IVF success rates.
Lifestyle and habituations
IVF involves healthy reproductive systems governed by diet, exercise, and healthy lifestyle habits. Evidence states that oxidative stress generated by lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol, and poor dietary habits can also impact IVF success and live birth rates.
Conclusion/ Take-Away
While considering an IVF treatment, understanding the IVF success rate and the factors determining it can help you decide. However, it is also essential to note, every IVF is unique, and the odds of an IVF success vary individually. If you are looking for an IVF treatment, check your chances of IVF with a formal evaluation and decide on the IVF protocol and Advanced IVF technology considerations.
