Today, many babies are born with the help of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). While there are many types of ART, In-vitro Fertilization (IVF) is one of the most effective and proven procedures. Since the first IVF success on July 25, 1978, an increasing number of couples who otherwise would have been deprived of parenthood are now able to experience the joys of having children. However, there are several factors that impact IVF success rates, and it is pertinent for patients to know these factors before starting their IVF journey. Read on to know more about it.
While IVF is the common treatment path to help couples conceive successfully, several factors impact its success rate. Here are some of the typical factors that need to be considered:
Age is one of the biggest factors that impact the success rate of IVF procedures. The age range between 24 and 35 has the highest success rate for Indian women, when a woman hits her peak fertility. The success rate reduces as the age increases, as the quality and, or quantity of the woman's eggs reduce. So, it is recommended that you undergo the IVF procedure as early as possible in your reproductive years so that it improves your chances of success.
The quality of the eggs and the embryo used in IVF is yet another major factor that determines the success rate of the treatment. Women who have a high number of quality eggs have a better chance. Similarly, those who have good-quality embryos also have greater success in implantation.
A few fertility problems faced by couples are more challenging to treat and could have a detrimental impact on the treatment's success. Common fertility problems like blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, and PCOS in women, and low motility, sperm count and morphology in men can be overcome easily with IVF. However, certain fertility issues like ovarian dysfunction, uterine abnormalities, and fibroids are more challenging and could be the main IVF failure reasons.
A previous pregnancy is a positive indicator, significantly increasing the likelihood of successful conception and IVF treatment. That is because the body has proven to carry a pregnancy to full term.
A healthcare provider will determine the best protocol based on age, egg and weight quality, hormone levels, etc. The stimulation phase lasts 10 to 14 days. The COH protocol is monitored closely by performing ultrasounds and blood tests.
The quality, number, and timing of the embryo transfer impact the success of IVF treatment. Only high-quality embryos are chosen and transferred first to ensure a successful pregnancy and reduce the risk of multiple births. The number of embryos transferred varies depending on the patient's condition.
The success rate of the IVF procedure also depends on the thickness of the uterine lining. To support implantation, the uterine lining should be thick and receptive to the embryo. Tests like hysteroscopy and hormonal supplements are prescribed to improve uterine receptivity.
The chances of IVF success are reduced for women who are overweight or underweight. Underweight women may not make enough hormones to activate egg production, while overweight women have difficulty during egg retrieval or embryo implantation. Women should have a healthy weight before they start IVF.
Lifestyle factors like alcohol consumption, smoking, drug abuse and stress can negatively impact IVF treatment. Avoid smoking as it can reduce the egg quality and quantity, and alcohol too should be avoided as it affects the hormone levels. The success of IVF procedures depends very much on a healthy lifestyle, so avoid those lifestyle habits that affect IVF success.
Mental health is also a crucial determinant of IVF success. Stress, anxiety and depression greatly impact the success of IVF. Do yoga and meditation to reduce stress and seek therapy as it is proven to positively impact IVF treatment.
The fertility clinic you choose is one of the external factors that determines the IVF treatment success rate. Many factors link the success of your IVF cycle with the fertility clinic. Factors like technology, protocol, the expertise of the embryologists, lab standards, etc., all play a critical role. So choose IVF centres with a proven track record, state-of-the-art infrastructure, experienced staff and doctors, and advanced technology.
One of the common myths is that IVF treatment success is high when multiple embryos are transferred. Contrary to this belief, a woman's uterus is meant to carry one child through an embryo. While many fertility clinics transfer more than one embryo to enhance the success rate, that can result with twins or triplets. However, this is not recommended as it can lead to complications for the babies and the mother. So fertility experts these days endorse a single embryo transfer.
There are many parameters to consider while calculating IVF success rates, like pregnancy rate, live birth rate, and implantation rate. So, you must understand the different parameters to understand the success rate and choose a trustworthy fertility clinic instead of blindly going by the IVF success rate.
IVF has been one of the most effective fertility treatments for many years and continues to be so. There are many factors that may affect the success rate of IVF treatment. Still, many couples have benefited from it, and hopefully, it will work out for you, too. In case you have any doubts regarding IVF treatments, it is better to clarify with your doctor during your next consultation.
Maintaining a healthy diet and weight and avoiding smoking, caffeine, and alcohol during treatment increases the chances of IVF success.
IVF may not be successful for women with advanced maternal age (over 40 years), low ovarian reserve, and uterine abnormalities. Poor sperm quality, issues with sperm motility and where IVF is not successful for men. Poor embryo quality is yet another reason why some IVF treatments fail.
The most important factor in IVF is the woman's age. Other important factors are egg and sperm quality and quantity.
IVF success rates depend on a number of factors. However, maternal age is often believed to be the best predictor of IVF success as it directly affects egg quantity and quality, which are crucial for IVF success.
